Alarming Diagnosis

WRITING IN THE BUFF
http://www.writinginthebuff.net
asks for a very brief story (140 characters) based on the above illustration

ALARMING DIAGNOSIS!

Peter Pumpkin went to the doctor
With a sore tongue and a cough.
Said the doctor 'I don't want to scare you,
But your ears have fallen off.'
  (140 characters)


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CHRYSANTHEMUMS

(The stars before a cataract operation!)

I turned my back on Myopia

The great goddess of the eyes,

And sometimes the thought occurs to me

That it wasn't entirely wise.

How I longed for normal vision,

The crisp outline, the clarity,

I envied those with normal sight,

Resented the disparity.

*

She warned me, yes, she warned me,

Saying 'If that is what you choose,

Pay heed to the glories of my realm,

Consider what you'll lose.

Think of the Van Gogh effect,

Seen through eyes that are dimmer!

Think of the vast expanse of  sky

And chrysanthemums that shimmer!

Think of the kindness of the eyes

That look on the human face

And never see the blemishes

That healthy eyes can trace!

You'll say goodbye to streaks and swirls

And a mistiness that enhances!

You'll say goodbye to each mirage

That in the distance dances.'

*

'What do I care!' I snapped at her

'I want clear and perfect vision!'

'Right!' said Myopia, tartly;

'Oh well, it's your decision!'

I turned my back on Myopia

The great goddess of the eyes,

And sometimes the thought occurs to me

That it wasn't entirely wise.

*