It was inevitable, love, that I would catch it.

Few can circumvent the devious bug for long, and now

I am showing all the symptoms.

Standing next to you, the world is spinning like I am on a carousel,

And everywhere I look I see green, green, and more green.

(Yes, I know it’s your favorite color.)

My hands pour sweat despite the cool, autumn air

While goose bumps adorn my bare arms.

I can feel my face flush and know my eyes must be bright

But all I can think of is how my stomach is actually a blender filled with

Butterflies, churning, churning into yellow-green goop

Flecked with bits of black legs and the fuzzy remains of antennae.

And if I didn’t know any better, I would think that

The entire Pacific Ocean was roaring in my head. Yes,

I am certainly showing all of the symptoms.

What do you mean, ‘love’?

I’m talking about the flu. Now, please forgive me while

My stomach empties itself onto your shoes.