Poetry Friday — Home Sick

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We’re just trying to keep our wits about us over here, my six-year-old and I. 
Last night she battled the fiercest ear infection. 
Actually, we battled it but she took the harshest wounds.

Our weapons?
Warm olive oil.
Old videotapes.
A hot water bottle.
A snack.
An attempt at sleep, sitting up.

Things seem a little brighter by the light of day, but I’m so tired I’m drooling. So, here’s Shel Silverstein’s Sick. Maybe it’ll make you guys laugh. That’s beyond me now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I descend into the giggles later. In that crazy kinda way.

Sick
by Shel Silverstein

"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?

Read the rest here…

14 Responses to “Poetry Friday — Home Sick”

  1. kellyrfineman

    I like that poem, but not enough to laugh today (headache myself, and your story was too sad!) I hope she’s feeling better (and soon!) (Do you not do antibiotics for those, or had they just not kicked in yet?)

    Oh, and it reminded me of something I need to go write. Jane Austen had an issue with an earache (heaven knows what it was), and she was advised to put sweet almond oil in her ear with a bit of cotton. Sounds about right to me!

  2. Anonymous

    Earaches are the worst. Your little girl must be brave, brave. (And you, too.) I hope she’s better today and that you get a nap.

    Sara Holmes

  3. Anonymous

    I’ve been blessed with — thus far — ear-infection-free children. I hope she feels better soon.

    Jules, 7-Imp

  4. hipwritermama

    Why did I never hear of olive oil as a treatment? Just lightly swab it in the ear?

    Hope you and little one are getting some much needed rest. Hope she’s better soon!

    Love this poem. It makes me laugh every time.

  5. liz_scanlon

    Thanks you guys… She’s a bit improved…
    I forgot to add the Murphy’s Law part of the story which is that, of course, my husband was out of town. Sigh.
    Feeling very glad that it’s Saturday…