Some Juice Instead
My heart thumpity-thumps, but my legs stand still.
I don’t want to swallow the bitter pill.
“Mummy, can you give me some juice instead?
That tastes much better than yucky meds.”
Mummy strokes my hair and she takes my hand.
She says, “Sweet darling, I understand.
But this little pill’s filled with brave tiny knights.
They’ll fight the germs hiding inside.”
I picture many knights with shiny shields,
Marching to fight across a bug field.
They chase away sniffles, push out flu,
They knock down fevers and sore throats too.
I take a deep breath, then I give it a try.
The pill tastes yucky, but I don’t cry.
I sip from my water and swallow it whole,
I’m still feeling sick but proud to be bold.
But then Mummy whispers, “One more to go.
The cough syrup’s waiting — I know, I know.”
“It looks like honey but I’m sure that’s a trick.
I bet it tastes like gunk — funky and thick.”
I scrunch up my nose but I give it a try.
It’s slimy and bitter — I can’t help but sigh.
I gulp it down fast and cross my eyes,
Stick out my tongue, then ask, “What’s my prize?”
Mummy hugs me tight and says, “You’re a star!
Your prize is a sip from the yummy honey jar!”
The End
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