a new autoimmune disease

this blood test here—
she points and I blink at an unusual
acronym, more ready to sleep
than to learn a new series
of tests, or a new medication
designed to replace a hormone
which I no longer make.

this proves it.
your body’s breaking down,
she tells me, and I wonder if she’s happy
now that she’s been proven right.
she’s suspected Hashimoto’s
since I first met her,
checking my thyroid function with a keen
and eager eye—
a vulture, a raven of ill omen.

autoimmune diseases travel in packs,
you know, she says,
like sharks, sensing weakness
from oceans away—
then going for your organs,
one autoimmune at a time,
and I’m so tired,
knowing my next step is research
into something I’ve barely
heard of, and never associated with myself.
I’ve ridden that ride before.

type one diabetes is
a perfect companion
to Hashimoto’s,
she says, little armies
of overactive soldiers,
attacking your thyroid
with enthusiasm—as excited as when
they attack your pancreas,
and I wonder whether it’s appropriate
to be proud of my immune system,
which works to such broad effect.
all it lacks is precision.

no way to stop it,
she says, and I shake her hand
and thank her for
this new prescription,
this new obsession,
this new series of questions
to ask random strangers online
who will welcome me
to their ranks, and sorrow with me
for my new diagnosis.

line count: 49

Prompt for: Jan 26, 2016 ▼

Subject or Theme: An aspect of your life; something currently going on whether it's positive or negative
Word(s) to Include: perfect, (the event you're writing about-though not in the title) (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): the (or any derivatives, compound or hyphenations of these words)
Additional Parameters: Minimum 30 lines. You should write not only description but with emotion, too. You can use the event in the title, but you ALSO need to use it within the poem.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.