Institutionalized

On Monday afternoon, fifth period

Diana asks, “Can I have a band-aid?’

In the desk drawer among the myriad

Of pens, post-its, and paper clips arrayed,

I pluck one from the box and deposit it

In Diana’s open palm. Thin and light,

Perfect remedy for a paper cut

Or a scab picked off an itchy bug bite

***

But what about a severed artery?

How much could a band-aid absorb before

It oversaturates with red fury

A millisecond perhaps, but no more.

It would be madness and a waste of time

Who would make such a foolish decision?

To think it suitable would be a crime

Inevitable exsanguination

***

In the instance of a deadly snake bite

A band-aid can’t stop the taint of poison

It will just keep the fang marks out of sight

And hiding holes won’t stop any treason

By a body invaded by venom

Only someone who’s lost all their marbles

Would believe they’ve truly solved the problem

When they’ve done nothing to help their troubles

***

And upon an occurrence of cancer

What good can just a simple band-aid do?

There’s really nothing for it to offer

It neither stops the spread nor halts the slew

Of dividing cells in growing tumors

Which require a treatment more aggressive

Only someone in a senseless stupor

Would consider such a plan impressive

***

In the incident of a heart attack

Band-aids are not a viable option

For there exists a most substantial lack

Of any aid in blood circulation

And with a case of cardiac arrest

Can you guess what comes next? The same warning

Not the time to put band-aids to the test

There’s no way they can get a heart pumping

***

Band-aids have a proper use and purpose

Being misapplied leads to disaster

So it goes with other things, even us

What is the role and function of teachers?

What does our society ask of them?

Bulb flashes with light of recognition

Me, a band-aid for symptoms of a system

With quite an underlying condition

Author’s Note: Honored to have this piece selected by RM Stockton as a Top 10 placement in his March Madness Challenge. Check out more winners linked in the story below.