Swollen lymph nodes
as large as prized gemstones,
Bruises stretching for lengths
shouting loudly in plain view,
having as much impact on the bearer
as if they were on a cadaver,
a curt nod in their direction
then attention turned aside,
bruises manifest glorious colors
as the strained glands bloom,
groteque wonders of illness
neglected by the nurture they desire,
left to fester and alter course,
now rooting themselves like weeds;
parasites the wearer pushes aside,
their effects left to spread amply,
radiant colors shining vibrantly
on skin stretched taut over bulbs,
appreciated for what they're not
and ignored for what they are,
wonderment why the colors become hazy,
why the blossoming bulbs change shape,
attention brought to their true nature
at a time too late to reverse it,
the choice of ignorance to feed them,
letting them encompass the wearer
with their vibrant colors and
blossoming bulbs