I’m healthy and resilient as a rule
so I have trouble knowing I’m unwell.
Along with feeling ill I’m like a fool
confused by lassitude – I cannot tell
how serious or real my symptoms are.
Hallucination must be contact lenses,
and clammy sweat’s from walking fast and far.
A fever can explode these vain defenses,
or some severe and serious condition;
the sort that we describe as truly dire,
that needs no argument or inquisition,
will make me seek the treatment I require.
A child charged with laziness and feints
of illness can’t assess her own complaints.