Peppermint patty,
You almost killed me.
Not by obesity
But by mere gluttony.
Place of near death: on a bus
In a strange city
with thirty choir kids.

Minty oil,
It was your fault.
You were the cause
Of my choking.
My pharynx closed.
I could not breathe.
Imagine my surprise.
It's only a peppermint patty,
Chewed and awaiting my stomach.

My heart raced.
My eyes widened.
My palms sweat.
My lungs shuddered.
Wheezing and gasping,
I thrust back in my crumby seat,
Hoping to God
My tombstone wouldn't read
"Died choking on a peppermint patty."

My throat burned,
Sizzling almost,
Like an egg on a skillet.
Still no oxygen
Stupid York.
Choking is a horrible way to die.
This is how it ends.

Suddenly, I could breathe.
The spasm ceased.
The airway opened.
My death grip on the chair relaxed.
I sucked in air,
Like a fish out of water.
Never before had my life
Flashed before my eyes.
I gasped in relief.

You suck, peppermint patty.
But I guess I learned something
From my near death experience.
Take things in moderation.
Don't overindulge.
Less is more.
Life is to be enjoyed and delectable.
Savor it; seize it.

I did not savor the patty.
I went too quickly.
It still tasted good,
But my enjoyment turned to panic.
I steamroll through life sometimes.
I don't slow down.
It's always "what's next" on my agenda.
I go too fast,
And if I do that too much,
Soon I'll choke

...for real this time.