Mom told me the story many times. She went to work that day. Felt a little off, but soldiered through. Shortly after lunch, however, she leaned against file cabinets, almost unable to stand. Her boss told her to go home.

She still felt unwell, after a full day off of her feet. Heading to the doctor, she told him everything that had happened to her. He drew blood for labs, gave her a full check-up, then sent her home.

When the labs came back, he called her, and lead with the following:

People have been shot, dragged themselves to a phone booth, and have had more blood than you!

Her diagnosis? Pernicious anemia

this rainfall

& all those monthly visits

for her B12 shot

has it really been

over seven years?

for Tanka Poets on Site: Gerry Muse #376. Prompt for 7th October 2023
My Mother