Baking Soda & Epson Salt

I was not raised with considerations
of needles poking me as the
First, Second, or Third solution
for an illness i’ve yet to encounter.
The hospital doctor was the last doctor we wanted to see.
   
We ate greens, mustard, collards, turnip
And other things.
took a baking soda bath
maybe soaked in some Epson salt
and rested. 

We used dehumidifiers while
We sat on sofas listening to
our favorite disc jockeys.
and rested.

The hospital doctor was the last doctor we wanted to see. 

We sought out the witch doctor, the voodoo doctor
and Cousins soon to be nurses and doctors.
We sought out the elders with tea and herbs.
We listened to Grandma talk about her mother’s concoctions.
We drank elixirs and burned incense.

The hospital doctor was the last doctor we wanted to see.

We used Vick’s Vapor rub (for any sniffle or signs thereof)
We consulted, and gossiped,
with family each night on the phone.
Our town, our village,
Our tribe was on alert;
All seeking remedies.

We listened to a lot of ideas.
We discussed those ideas and more.

And when it was all said and done…
Not everyone lived,
Yet we all made it. 

Sometimes people are not meant to make it over
The same hurdles as you.

– Baking Soda & Epson Salt
by Christiano Can, 4/11/2020

(NOTE: The correct word is “Epsom” however,
I grew up with old people who had accents and
no teeth, so the “Espom” turned into “Epson.”

Vaccines come with no guarantees
And more indemnities than warrantees.
At best they are highly preventative.
And often highly questionable.

This is MY VACCINE OF CHOICE!