Covid Blues

Covid has struck.

It took four years, almost to the day, after lockdown,

before Covid invaded my body and settled in.

I thought my O-neg. blood type protected me.

I was Covid cautious, wearing a mask outdoors,

wearing a mask indoors among strangers.

I took every booster, and none of them caused a problem.

But one night I felt so tired it was worth recording

in my journal. I thought the hit of sugar from a piece

of pie I ate late was to blame.

Next morning I had a sore throat (common symptom),

fever (common symptom), cough (common symptom),

fatigue (common symptom).

At-home Covid rapid test said “positive.”

I’ve taken multiple Covid tests over the past four years,

and this was the first positive one.

This is a positive no one wants.

My doctor said to take Paxlovid.

I need a special, kidney-friendly Paxlovid, 

which was hard to find and to be delivered.

My usual pharmacy no longer carries any Paxlovid.

Eventually, I got it, started taking the two pills

twice a day.

It stopped the common Covid symptoms,

but it caused diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

I could still taste and smell, but more than two bites

of food made me feel like a stuffed goose.

I lost five pounds I don’t need to lose.

It’s been two weeks since Covid took over my body.

It wears me out, makes me want to sleep all day.

Covid doesn’t want to leave.

I keep testing positive.

I want to be positive, but not Covid positive.

Covid, begone!