personal anecdote: the Blue hand

When my back bothered me
I would place my hand
in the small of my back
for support and comfort.
Gradually my hand turned a pale blue.
After a nice hot shower
it would turn a deep blue.
I had no discomfort
but still I was concerned.
I went to the doctor
for chronic migraines.
I had to yell to get a specialist referral
since the doctor's HMO
would subtract bonus points
for each he made referral.
In the office he noticed my blue hand
and suddenly I had
cardiac referrals up the wazoo
tests, questions, everything but relief
from migraine pain.
It is not politically correct
to treat debilitating pain.
At home I discovered the etiology
of the blue hand syndrome
It was from an Indonesian
shirt I got at K mart.
Now that I knew
I had great sport
rubbing it on my face
and both hands.
People from India seemed to take
the most notice.
In true Brahman fashion
I would ask various clerks
if it was cold
despite the fact it was August.