We Remember You
Asystole

I arrived with a grin and a brand-new scheme,
Found my face on a poster in the bloodstream.
"How do you know me? I've never been through."
The host smiled softly: "We rehearsed for you."

A vaccine brings antigen into the story,
A first introduction before the full worry.
Matching B and T cells can expand,
A specific response with a growing band.
Some cells fight, some settle down,
Memory keeps a watch around town.
The first response takes time to grow;
A later encounter can bring a quicker show.

We remember you, we remember you,
Pieces of the shape we knew.
Memory B cells, memory T,
Ready for a quicker repeat.
Long-lived plasma cells keep antibodies flowing;
Memory waits, then gets the next response going.

Some vaccines bring weakened living guests,
Some bring killed organisms, others selected bits.
A toxoid teaches a toxin's face;
A protein can mark the target's place.
Messenger R-N-A supplies a recipe,
Ribosomes make antigen for cells to see.
Read in the cytoplasm, then broken down—
The message leaves; memory can stay in town.

We remember you, we remember you—
We made the rehearsal before your debut.

Memory B cells meet the shape again,
Expand and make new plasma cells in the end.
Memory T cells can respond with speed,
Helping or killing as their functions need.
Neutralising antibodies can block my way,
Keep me from binding where I'd like to stay.
I came with a plan for a quiet takeover;
Found the welcome committee already coming over.

Antibody levels may fall with time;
Memory can remain behind the line.
Boosters can recall and strengthen the response;
Protection depends on the vaccine and the host.
Some infections still get through;
Vaccines can reduce the harm they do.
A quicker response still takes some time—
That is why preparation matters down the line.

We remember you, we remember you,
Pieces of the shape we knew.
Memory B cells, memory T,
Ready for a quicker repeat.
Long-lived plasma cells keep antibodies flowing;
Memory waits, then gets the next response going.

I arrived with a grin and a brand-new scheme.
They'd met my outline in a previous scene.