(I apologize in advance.  It’s my childhood babysitter’s fault, actually.  Thanks, Shirley, for the challenge you gave to write a little something about the spleen.  I am deeply ashamed… :-))

What’s purple, fist-shaped and four inches long?

What helps our bodies stay healthy and strong?

What organ is the subject of this catchy song?

The lean, mean, fighting machine

That we fondly refer to as our Powerful Spleen.

What recycles red blood cells while storing the white?

What holds on to platelets ’til the time is just right?

What attacks mono with all of its might?

The lean, mean fighting machine

That we fondly refer to as our Powerful Spleen.

At .44 pounds it packs a mean punch

It grows when you digest your breakfast and lunch

(Even more after dinner, I have a hunch!)

That lean, mean fighting machine

That we fondly refer to as our Powerful Spleen.

It lies under the ribs on the left side

A shelter from injury where it can hide

Next to the stomach and the liver on the right

That lean, mean fighting machine

That we fondly refer to as our Powerful Spleen

But here is a fact I bet you never knew

Our spleen is affected by emotions, too

Anxiety, stress and when you’re feeling blue

The sweet Cords of Billroth reside in the spleen

Providing the monocytes (white blood cells, I mean)

That conquer meningeal and pneumatic enemies

That lean, mean fighting machine

That we fondly refer to as our Powerful Spleen.

Long live the organ that lacks our attention

Though often ignored, it gives us protection

So let’s give it up for our spleen’s intervention

That lean, mean fighting machine

That we fondly refer to as our Powerful Spleen…