Giardia

I found this on a scrap of paper tucked inside an old version of the Appalachian Mountain Guide. I suspect I copied it from a Hut register, though I do not remember. My note indicates it was written by Poetry Man in 1993.

Giardia

Microscopic creatures

exist without question.

They live in ponds and rivers and

inside the large intestine.

I get my water running,

to avoid amoebic fare,

except the famed giardia,

who live most anywhere.

The best prevention’s boiling,

or filters extra fine.

And all but giardiasis

will yield to iodine.

So far I haven’t treated.

And whenever in suspense,

I’ve cast my lot with lady luck,

and simple common sense.

I hope to leave the trail behind,

without much indignation,

clear of conscience and of mind,

and free of infestation.