Elevated, Pharmacy Light

The cuff embraced my arm so tight,

an automated, rubber squeeze.

Those red digits, stark and bright,

refused to put my mind at ease.

I'd just picked out a lipstick shade,

'Reckless Rose,' a foolish whim.

A gentle voice, politely made,

pronounced my prospects looking grim.

'Your blood pressure is elevated,' it said,

a cold, calm, synthesized command.

With thoughts of panic in my head,

a trembling tube within my hand.

This new red lip, a tiny balm,

against a silent, growing fate.

Beneath the pharmacy's fake calm,

my heart just hammered at the gate.