At 20 I was seized with torso pain,
affecting breath and posture. At a guess,
the doctor said gall bladder ill was plain
(which really was bad gas from too much stress).
I learned from that how nervous I can be
(that’s different from hysterical, you see),
and watched my chews and even yawns and sips
(a second, better, doctor gave me tips).

In 50 years since then, I’ve rarely had
attack recur, but yesterday I felt
my belly bloom with gas beyond my belt,
and stabbing pain mid-back. It drove me mad,
until I thought of Covid, politics,
my kids. I’m taking care; I know the fix.