Ode to the Pox

There once was a virus called pox

Which came to the family of Cox

Two sweet little girls,

One with lots of blonde curls,

Became swiftly inflamed with red dots

 

Their mother, who took most things in stride,

Didn’t run, didn’t scream, didn’t hide

But calmly and cheerfully tended to itches

While she lotioned an arm or a side

 

Across town, in a similar home

Lived a friend with whom often she roamed

Whose 5 little girls had been over of late

And shared apples right off the same plate

 

Now it’s hard to say why,

And I wouldn’t imply,

But the pox also came to their house

The first victim it stained with a bumpy red rash

Was the 5 little girls’ biggest brother

He didn’t complain

Or scratch it in vain

To the great relief of his mother

 

But our tale isn’t finished

For this pox is not diminished

There are several still within reach

But what can we do?

Just wait and see who

Will begin to develop the itch

 

But thanks be to God

It won’t last for long

The red bumps and their itching will fade

And the memories of pink lotion

And family devotion

And friends who share laughter – and pain

Will be a reminder for all of us later

That through it all, God kept us sane!

 

And one last little gem which the Bible assures

In every trial,

There is great gain.