Actinic Keratosis

By John I. Blair

Actinic keratosis:
Crusty name for a crusty hide,
The scaly spots that skin gets
From years of sun exposure.

What at ten is just a sunburn
In fifty years produces
What docs disturbingly denote
“A precancerous condition.”

So to the dermatologist I go
For stinging freezes, harsh creams,
That make my poor arms look
Like they’ve been scorched with cigarettes.

I’m wearing long-sleeved shirts
In balmy April weather
So I won’t frighten little urchins
(Or my own self) with the sight,

Hoping I’ll be delighted
By the baby-soft results,
New skin, new confidence, new pride
(But manly hair intact).

So pardon if I don’t respond
With ardor when I’m visited
By TV ads for tanning beds
Or beach resorts by the seaside.

©2010 John I. Blair