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Open Poetry #43
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Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

0 posted 2008-07-30 10:26 PM


The kid is lucky,
the plant doctor knows
about malaria.  

Even so,
it’s touch and go
for a few days
for the kid.  

There’s heavy fever,
and bouts of delirium.  

His mother visits,
wants to know
where he is,
and why he hasn’t
come home.  

The doctor
gives her
some money
for food,
tells her the kid
will get better soon.  

In a few weeks,
he’s feeling better,
and the doctor gives him
some pills to take.  

Soon he’ll be
back in the ditch,
digging away,
and earning a little money.

Bobby

© Copyright 2008 Robert E. Jordan - All Rights Reserved
Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural
1 posted 2008-07-30 10:29 PM


Having a cold is one thing, but having serious problems is hard to handle I bet. I like that the kid got better! Near the end. But, should settle down for awhile, not getting up to do physical work just after healing


ARCTIC WIND

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2 posted 2008-07-30 10:39 PM


Thanks dear Artic Wind,

Yes, you're probably right.  

However, he's one tough little kid.  He's not one for just lying around doing nothing.

I'm sure he would be thankful for your concern, and good wishes.

He wishes you well.

Love Bobby

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

3 posted 2008-07-30 10:42 PM


Malaria.

I'm pretty sure it's Malaria.

I know more than a few survivors of that...and yanno? *shaking my head* Most of 'em don't get to go back to work. (They worked the high-dollar gamble of offshore oil rigging off the coast of Africa.)

Or did. Then they live with the cost of potential relapse for the rest of their lives (when they don't die).

But since I've addressed the subject, I think I'll address the work. I find your style interesting, inventive in simplicity, even!

I haven't read you that much, though, I do confess. When I read a title that appears as a sequel to a series, because I like to start at the beginning, I tend to put that on a "mental" hold, as to keep it in context.

I hope you don't take that personally, either. Once upon a time I could reply to everyone at Pip.

I did want you to know that I do drop in occasionally, though, and I do appreciate your efforts.



Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 posted 2008-07-30 10:55 PM


Thanks dear Serenity blaze,

Yes, you are correct about the spelling.  At least I had it right in the poem, if not in the title.

I met this kid while working in India.  Malaria is a big problem there.

My father-in-law had malaria.  He caught it when he was a kid, when he ran away from home to South America.

He was found by an African American family as he made his way back home to Philly.  they took care of him, until he got on his feet.  Needless to say, he was always more than grateful for their kindness.

He did have relapses all his life.  However, he did do hard work all his life, and died at seventy-five.

Thanks for your information, and for reading.

BTW, most of my work is in a sequence.  My fourth book "Felix" was partially developed here, and worked into a sequence.

Love Bobby

[This message has been edited by Robert E. Jordan (07-31-2008 12:30 AM).]

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
5 posted 2008-07-31 01:56 AM


I read that Malaria kills many more people than aids does and yet gets no attention in the media. I had an uncle that got Malaria during the war and had problems with it for the rest of his life.
                          Ida
                      

Prasad Nataraj
Senior Member
since 2008-05-29
Posts 1149
Bangalore,India
6 posted 2008-07-31 07:15 AM


Hi Bobby,
Good to hear you worked in India; Malaria is a big problem here in India. And the worse part is it affects the poor people who can hardly afford to eat… Malaria needs more attention globally. Prasad

"Hardwork pays in the long run"

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7 posted 2008-07-31 08:25 AM


Thanks dear Ida,

The secret there is that AIDS kills people with money, while Maliria kills poor people.

Bobby

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8 posted 2008-07-31 08:28 AM


Thanks Prasad,

There is no mystery about Malaria.  Everyone knows what causes it, and how to eradicate it.  It almost seems like it a tool of the haves to keep the have-nots down.

Bobby

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