Conflicting Emotions: a Poem
Straight up — is this vaccine for real?
Can’t trust the government to tell the truth
Is it for ALL people — black, brown, and white
And every color in between?
I’m not an experiment, I’m not a guinea pig
Been down that road before
Don’t want to choose between the virus and vaccine
Life and death
I can live with a mask though would rather not
I can live with the constant worry though could do without
But can’t live without a job, a home, school for the kids, and food
They say if we all get vaccinated, things will return to the way they were
Not that that was the greatest, but better than where we are now
The virus has taken over our lives and instilled fear
It has increased disparities and renewed mistrust
Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on me
Tell the truth, lead by example.
The author is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Biology and Public Policy. She teaches a freshman class about bioethics and genetics research including history of research on vulnerable populations in the U.S. This poem is an expression of the difficult choices faced by communities of color especially and the need for clear communication and transparency.
