just a hint of fever
and he recoils
                     recalls
when first the malaria
hit him like a
a dump truck full
of iron garden gnomes
left him shivering
                           sweating
swimming
                in pain deeper
than the greatest
                 Great Lake
before it broke and
he was smashed
                         flat
left crapulent and woozy
a still stagnant pond
where parasites
permanently
                   petulantly
           patrol
awaiting their turn
to make another visit
and say hello again hello

   ~mce

For your laughter is an immense surprise
It bedazzled my senses, bringing light
Long lost light toward my eyes
Was that an intentional wink?
I beg no forgiveness as I think
Like a moth, a light, a life
You only have one to share