Relationships Poem by Glen Martin Fitch

Upon the hippos' backs 
the egrets light
to feed on ticks. 
Their darting eyes 
can see when foes approach. 
The hippo's girth and might
protect the egret,  
symbiotically.
A pungent, painted orchid 
hangs serene.
It's pollen needs 
the hungry honey bee.
Amid the poison columns 
clown fish clean the algae 
off the sea anemone.
You're cheerful,  
stunning,  
clever,  
and yet I'm exhausted. 
I can't breathe!  
And how you squirm into my wallet,  
friendships;  
sap my time.
You're lethal,  
so my friends have diagnosed.
It's not in the best interest 
of a germ, like HIV or you,  
to kill its host.