My head is swimming

Swirling fever high

Eyes lolling tilting

Shifting with the floor

Staggered steps lead out

Slippered not slipping

Into the bathroom

I grip counter

And shake my head

My body shakes

Slowly I look up

Meeting my bloodshot gaze

I smile despite myself

Toothy and glib

What do I have to smile about

I’m not smiling at all

The fever dream feel of it

Subsumes my senses

I begin to talk

“Let it take you

Let the fever consume you

A fire within

Burning away your mind

The doctor’s far too expensive

And really what could he do?”

I nod slowly

And my reflection nods with me

A Nicholson like grin

Stretching cheeks and skin

I lower my head in the sink

And turn on the water

I’ll feel fine

Tomorrow