ON HAVING A BLOOD TEST

Blood tests are something I could do without

But they are alas a necessary evil

And though it’s really not a thing to shout about

They haven’t so far (in my case) proved lethal.

However it was with a deal of trepidation

That I presented myself at phlebotomy today.

The result did not match up to my anticipation;

The perfect vein was quickly pierced I’m glad to say.

It did, at least, give some sense of direction

To medical support for my ongoing treatment

Avoiding, to my great relief, any infection

Or disconcerting prospect of impeachment.

While the symptoms are improved by the procedure,

The condition, sad to say, is not remitted,

And the problem, even sadder, gets no easier,

While the health practitioners remain committed

to additional probing examination,

And are calling me for further tests next week,

Despite the blood flow’s vast immoderation

That required a lot of plugging of the leak.

When they put me into my final casket

And thus dispose my bones and body once for all

I can imagine someone there will ask it:

“We wonder why his body seems so awfully pale.”