I’M JUST NOT COMING IN TO WORK TODAY
 
Swallowed a cobweb on my way to the car,
Stepped on a slug and I slid real far…
‘Til I fell to the ground.
But, I didn’t get hurt.
 
I picked myself up, brushed off what I could see,
Opened the car door into my knee,
When I looked down, I was…
Still, all covered with dirt.
 
Went into my house for a quick change of clothes,
And realized I had a bloody nose,
So I sat down and I…
Put my head back for a while.
 
I ran upstairs for that fresh set of clothes,
Came downstairs with a run in my hose,
I picked up the phone and…
Then, I began to dial.
 
“Why, what’s wrong-are you hurt?  You can’t be ill.
Can’t you rest a while, or take a pill?
Sorry… What did you say?”
“I’m just not coming in to work today!!”

 
Martha Finley, R.N.
Department of Pediatrics
Third Place, Poetry