Martha Deed
Visiting the ER

Hornets do not like to be disturbed.
They do not post signs outside their nests to that effect.
They expect you to respect their privacy without reminders—
and if you don't, they sting you by the dozen with their love
and send you on your intoxicated way
as if you had planned to spend Friday night
enjoying the entertainments provided
by your local ER, the doctors dancing to your tune
before

***

Author's comment: Written on a small piece of paper in the ER, DeGraff Hospital, North Tonawanda, NY, Friday night of Labor Day Weekend, 2006.

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