Why Will the Blood Pressure Not Rise?

I was under the impression

that with no bad habits,

no smoking, no alcohol,

no cosmetics, no chips,

with healthy habits galore,

as creativity, gardening,

love for nature and photography,

threat like high blood pressure

would not bother me.

But that illusion broke.

During both pregnancies,

my blood pressure was high.

Now the kids are four and six,

and I thought pregnancy was done.

I am in my early forties

blood pressure would be normal.

Yet during a dentist visit,

they took my blood pressure,

and it was still high.

Why wouldn’t it be?

You work so hard,

you are given cents,

you feel injustice,

how will the blood pressure not rise?

You live frugally for your children,

so, their future won’t be miserable,

and yet they throw tantrums,

how will the blood pressure not rise?

The very doctor

who is supposed to give care

hands you a $1,000 bill,

how will the blood pressure not rise?

I go for a rain walk

hoping to smell petrichor,

but I breathe room fresheners,

how will the blood pressure not rise?

Sigh.