Fear
The dread and alarm of things ahead
The pain to go through – the wish to be dead
The fearsome thought of coming pain
Oh! How I wish I was home again
The needle is about to strike
I can see it at a glance
The silver point comes nearer
I can feel it in advance
An ache in my neck, a tear in my eye
The needle goes in and the nurse gives a sigh
A smile of relief, and there is no harm
As a syringe full of blood comes out of my arm
©Amanda Samm 1967
Vaccine
I was brave I was bold and
I offered my shoulder
The needle went in
“Just a scratch” and I knew
This little injection
Would give me protection
From the germs in the virus
Of this winter’s ‘flu.
©Amanda Samm 2017