That rattler bit me in 1998,
a flash of pain, sharp as a lightning strike,
my heart raced, sweat slicked my skin,
the world spun each breath a battle, as I stumbled to the bank,
deposit in hand, for Dad

The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead,
muffled voices, a distant siren, I said, “I’m sick,” a whisper turned to a plea… they whisked me away, into the cool embrace of the ER,
where time stretched like taffy, each moment a lifetime

antivenom coursed through my veins,
a lifeline tethering me to hope, two days of vigil-my parents, steadfast as mountains, never leaving my side their worry a blanket, wrapping me in warmth,
while the shadows danced at the edges, reminding me of my fragility. in the heart of fear, I found the strength of love, and in that sterile room,
I learned to breathe again, to rise like the sun, bright and unbroken, even after a rattler’s bite.