Keratosis Neurosis

By John I. Blair

As I gaze upon my arms’ scars
And see the harm from hours
Of basking by a pool
When I was young and dumb

I feel like running down the street,
Screaming at the children
To cover up
Before they too are doomed

To spend their older years
Sitting still in vinyl chairs
Waiting
For the icy sting

Of liquid nitrogen,
Scalpel slice,
Slow burn of caustic creams,
And brief reprieve from fears

About the status
Of their skin
Or learning how to say
“Actinic keratosis.”

* * * * * *

But then, back then,
Girls were charming,
The sun was warm;
I dreamed of looking
Golden like the movie stars.

©2014 John I. Blair