Congestion

 

Mary tried but ended dying
In childbirth.  Years later a
Relative got a bogie on the
Seventeenth.  The TV cameras
Caught her chagrin, but she
Went on and finished well,
Setting a new course record.

And when she later dies it won’t
Be from childbirth.  She is not
Even certain she wants one or
Anything beyond a great career.
In future years women won’t
Be dying from liver or kidney
Failure.  Dying will be from

Congestion, cramming them-
Selves into smaller and
Smaller spaces, breathing each
Other’s air, swearing that some-
One is taking their place in the
Long lines stretching from
Hemet to Loma Linda.