Poetry Prompt: Reality Show

You are now chronically ill

How do you manage?

Do you keep working 

or 

do you have to quit?

Do the people you love 

believe you're sick? 

When you use your mobility aids in public

Are you greeted with 

kindness, 

pity, 

or misunderstanding?

Do people look at you in the eye?

Money is draining quickly 

Doctors are expensive 

And so are all the new things 

you need just to 

get through the day 

Time to apply for help 

Form 

after form 

after form 

Denial

Appeal 

Denial 

Appeal 

Court

Congratulations!

You are finally awarded benefits 

But it's not enough 

Not even close 

And the back pay?

You owe your attorney 

And so many others

So much money 

How will you survive?

How will you pay your debts?

Do you know who your true friends are?

How will you heal when you don't have time to rest...

While you worry about 

How you will pay the rent?