Oh, how I cherish my health,
to live and work, and build my good name.
My taxes I cut with charitable donations of my wealth,
to live and work, and build my good name.
Through my health care system I expect cures to maintain my health,
to live and work, and build my good name.

Health care reform seeks to improve everyone’s health,
so others can live and work, and build their good name.
Not with my dollar, I proclaim, for you steal my wealth,
so all can live and work, and build their good name.
The children, infirmed, injured and pregnant of status untold… their health,
is of no concern for they have no right to live and work, and build a good name.

It is our faith, our politics and degree of kindness that decide other people’s access to health,
for them to live and work, and build a good name.
I believe that others plight and health does not contribute to my wealth,
so that I may live and work, and leave a good name.
At birthday parties we toast to my good health,
so I may live many comfortable years and leave a good name.

I know that viruses, broken bones and advancing age all affect my health,
interfering with my ability to live, work and leave a good name.
All along though, I buy goods, dinners, cars and homes to display my wealth
so others may know how I lived and worked, and tried to leave a good name.
Yet hypocrisy reigns when it comes to my health,
I cared for me only and in the process… I tarnished my good name.