Magnificent Lungs

By Emma Williams

They are blood purifiers,

sacks and tubes.

4 oz in weight,

4 inches in length.

They Divide and Divide again,

cartilage,

elastic tissue,

scavenger muscles.

They Divide and Divide again

into branches of extreme fineness.

They are trees in winter.

In spiro I breath,

Ex spiro I breath,

4 beats of the heart.

Pay attention, change the rate.

Cold water, vigorous breaths,

under water, deep breaths,

coughing, sneezing, sighing,

yawning, sleeping, laughing.

Fill the bony chamber,

move the movable floor.

Crying, weeping, sobbing

but do not,

DO NOT open the door.

Infection.

The household physician 1908

Mr M’Gregor calls it Consumption

Miners, grinders, stone cutters

treat with good food, fresh air and cod liver oil.

Hot drinks with lemon

deep breaths with coughing

pat your back lie on your front

wash your hands.

Wash your hands wash your hands wash your hands

Magnificent lungs

I am unaware,

just looking out,

holding my breath,

fingers crossed.