Malaria

Last week I was down with malaria. The inspiration for this poem came to me while on my bed despite severe symptoms grilling me. Please enjoy.

Suddenly my strength became weakened
My joints less lubricated
There was bitterness in my mouth
And a heater in my body
The intensity of ringing bell from the neighbourhood church tripled in my head

Why have you changed my diet?
Why have you reduced my productivity?
Why have you diminished my fun and excitement?
Why have you broadened my friendship with bed?
Why have you changed the volume and the nature of my food?

Oh! You have been unfair to me
For I have been your victim for about a week now
I’m not a looser but you
Because you didn’t teach me a lesson
You only rejuvenated my mind about twos of life
That I must remember there are other sides to life
Time of life and death
Surplus and scarcity
Rain and drought
Wellness and sickness

Now I’m the real victor
And you, MALARIA, the real looser
Thank God I’m back on my feet
Thank God you are back under my feet
I’m the victor
You are the looser.