Hiccups*

Shaking
Like miniature earthquakes
Red faced with embarassment
As the hiccups take over
Some choked, muffled behind skin
Others loud and violent
Startling
And they keep coming
Hic after Hic after Hic
Until we're almost sick
And wish we were
Anyone or anywhere
Else
But this.

Soon, although it seems an age
You don't notice
When the hiccups decide to go
And leave your stomach aching and hollow.