I've been sick for the last few days
And before that for a week
I'm weak and tired, leaking mucus and coughing
I have to cancel plans to see friends
(I don't want to infect them)
"I'm tired of being sick!"
"I want to be well!"
I say that out loud, but in my own head, I think:
When I'm sick, I don't have to work
My friends offer sympathy and soup
They help me with tasks, and tell me they love me
(I still don't know why)
(And I'm afraid to ask)
I can stay home and rest
And the world goes by outside without me
Nobody says I have to get up, seek justice, put myself in harm's way
I can just be
When I'm sick
So I wonder and wish
Though I know it can't happen
"Why can't I be sick all the time?"