side effects

you fear
the flu shot.
the needle
puncturing your
skin,
your body
accepting
this syringe
full of medicinal
fluids
meant to
save you from
harm. you
fear the side
effects,
the rare case
of being paralyzed,
and blinded.
deaf and dumb,
but without the flu.
you'd rather
take your chances
with the sneezing
hordes,
the drooling
masses
that linger
in the stores,
pushing lazily
along
towards the cold
medicines.
holding your
breath
on the bus,
the plane,
gargling, and wiping,
washing your
hands
like a madman
for the next
three
months.