Roland, when he pondered it
Felt that his heart would up and quit.

This normally quite rational guy
was certain he would shortly die.

For when he let attention stray
it wound up in his own ribcage,

where he both feared and had no doubt
that soon the muscle would give out.

The panic he would then unpack
was worse than any heart attack.

Though Roland was, in fact, possessed
of quite a healthy heart, he stressed

himself ’til he would just go slack;
A perfect hypochondriac.

He’d feel, at last, relieved and dumb
When finally he’d not succumbed.

A good way to prolong your health?
Take your attention off yourself.

–Jim Meskimen