A Poem: "Merry Christmas, I’ve Scheduled Your Vaccine Appointment"

A Christmas poem by Raj Tawney.

December 24, 2021

Was that so hard? US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting (released)/via Flickr

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "22004575",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "22595215",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17482312",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18711090",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "23181625",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18711090",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17720761",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Merry Christmas, I’ve Scheduled Your Vaccine Appointment

This year, all I want is you alive for next one
Healthy, maskless, resilient, fearless
Bravery doesn’t favor the stubbornly bold
Your excuses are old, my patience is low
You have the right to selection
whether you’d like the injection,
but where’s your protection?
How will you fight the infection?
You’re a sitting duck, risking luck
Listen up, I took the liberty and signed you up
Stuffed your stocking with the date and time
I’ll drive you there, we’ll wait in line
Give the gift of saving lives
Not just your own, but also mine.
–Raj Tawney, 2021

Raj Tawney writes about identity, culture, food, and animal rights. He has contributed to the New York Times, Miami New Times, the Washington Post, and other publications. He is the author of Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience and the forthcoming Middle Grade novel, All Mixed Up.

A message from Culture Editor Celia Almeida: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Miami's vibrant culture and arts scenes.

Support Today