They Always Blame the Flowers

at least that’s how it seems
yet it’s not only they
that run my nose in streams
when laundering
or dish washing
or taking out the trash

my nose goes
into overdrive
until I think I’ll crash
it’s chemicals
those chemicals
we use to clean our lives

you’d think the way
they scratch at me
I’d also have the hives

and when my kitties
use their dirt
it’s special from the store
the slightly scented
cleaning stuff
makes my nose run out some more

now granted
when I’m pulling weeds
or mowing short the grass
the dirt, the pollen,
spruce tree scents
make me sneeze each time I pass

so don’t keep blaming
what God made
for allergies and such
I think it really
is much worse
encountering what man has touched

©August 13, 2004