Our Enemy, the Sun

The sun’s become our enemy;
It’s something to avoid
And sitting without sunscreen
Can make someone paranoid.

In younger days we basked outside,
Reflectors set in place
To catch those rays, which guaranteed
A tan we would embrace.

But now the dermatologists
Give warnings we must heed – 
With unprotected skin we will
Get cancer, guaranteed.

I’ll follow this advice
But it’s okay; since I have grayed,
I much prefer when I’m outdoors
Relaxing in the shade.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
June 27, 2021 at 8:33 PM
Ha, ha! They had the same warnings when you and I were young. We just didn't pay any attention. After all, we were immortal, right?!
Balasubramanian Avatar
June 27, 2021 at 11:36 AM
I sit in sun daily for vitamin D. Good you told. Now I will be careful. Excellent write. Thanks. Have a wonderful day ahead friend
Leffanta Avatar
June 27, 2021 at 10:20 AM
None of your ancestors wore sunscreen and most of them worked outdoors all day long. Mothers who "protect" their children from sunshine doom them to a life of myopia as eyes and skin need daily direct sunshine to develop properly. Those who use sunscreen will suffer considerable skin damage the first time their skin is exposed to direct sunshine, so use your head instead of a product! Aloha!
Allison Avatar
June 27, 2021 at 8:10 AM
I am not a sun worshiper - my dad had skin cancer, you can;t be too careful ... not that we have much sun with our British summer lol:-) hugs Jan xx
Flood Avatar
June 27, 2021 at 6:11 AM
If we’re ever at the same barbecue Ilene, I’ll meet you under the old oak tree. Looks like Caren and Kim might be there too... we can have ourselves a Rhyme-a-thon! Good write with timely warnings therein. By the way, under that old oak tree... I’ll be the one who looks like a lobster. ;-) Terry
Krutsinger Avatar
June 26, 2021 at 9:22 PM
I have to let you know that I got sunburned this week. OUCH! The sun can be excruciatingly painful! I mean OUCH! Great warning - came too late for me.
Merryman Avatar
June 26, 2021 at 6:49 PM
You and I both, Ilene! I enjoyed your poem! I recently had skin cancer removed from the side of my neck. I have no desire for any more. Blessings, Kim M
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