Blessed Excuse

I was given a gift

that was not wrapped in nice paper

but stamped by a hospital. 

I was given the gift of an excuse.

An excuse attested by a doctor

wearing a nice white overall

smiling gently at me while forming words

that should have sounded terrifying

but somehow didn't.

Words flying around my bed

like drunk birds

while my head spins and tries to understand

what all of this means. 

I was told to take care of myself

and walk under sunshine to strengthen my body.

I was told to get enough sleep and do sports regularly

and not to worry about stuff.

I was told to do what everyone should do.

But few got a doctor's prescription for it.

I was given a gift,

the gift of an excuse.

I'm going to excuse myself

and live

a happy,

healthy,

long,

life.