by Linda O’Connell
Twisted
Hacking on a bed of deceit
She tries to stretch
her meager check
thinner than the skin on her sunken face.
She needs the elixir to
quell her cough.
Heads to the store 3rd of every month
Clutching her chest and government subsidy.
“Getting a cost of living raise when the new year shoots the moon, honey.”
She’s excited with this distortion of truth.
The pharmacist looks her directly in the eye.
Medication not covered under this plan.
She spews what’s in her chest and on her mind.
Long-armed Uncle Sam doles it out
with one hand,
snatches it back with the other.
January 3rd, she’ll accept the
philanthropic gesture
As she does the peculiar molded cheese
Offered as nutritious and delicious.
Absurd to bind the aged bowels, hands and health of those
who built this country.
Uncle Sam funds a war;
Seniors battle poverty.
Linda O’Connell is a widely published multi-genre writer, full time teacher, writing instructor.
