The Story of Red

Gather 'round and listen well, to the tale of Red the blood cell, A tiny hero on a grand quest, in the body, it knows no rest. From the alveoli’s embrace, it grabs its precious load, Life’s journey starts in the lungs, ready to hit the road. Through the body, Red will go, ensuring life’s flow, Hemoglobin’s tight embrace, iron and protein in tow. Plasma’s the river, ninety percent water, Fueling Red’s journey hotter, albumin keeps order. Through arteries, Red swiftly flies, oxygen fuels the cells, Creating ATP, life’s energy swells. White cells join the fight, battling disease with might, Neutrophils consume invaders, bringing them to light. Lymphocytes, T and B, with skills refined, T cells attack directly, B cells antibodies find. Once his load is gone, Red’s journey isn’t done, Picks up carbon dioxide, a new phase has begun. In capillaries, tissues release, carbon dioxide binds to Red with ease, Through veins, Red travels back, to the lungs to release. Ready for the next adventure, this is Red’s story told, Finding friends with blood types, A, B, AB, and O. When a vessel’s broken, Red’s not alone, Platelets rush in, building a throne. First, a spasm, vessel tightens fast, A platelet plug forms, sticking to the mast. An embolus travels freely in the stream, Clogging vessels, causing a dangerous scene. Hemophilia, a clotting factor’s miss, Makes stopping blood a challenging twist. Blood is more than what we see, A liquid tissue vital as can be. Erythropoietin signals marrow to grow, New red cells join the flight, ensuring oxygen’s right. [Outro] Through every vessel, Red will roam, In the body, making it home. Every heartbeat, every breath we take, Red’s there, no mistake. Delivering oxygen, picking up waste, Maintaining balance with skill and grace. From the smallest capillary to the largest vein, Red’s journey continues, through joy and pain. Vital to life, in every way, Red keeps us going, night and day. So here’s to Red, our constant friend, In the body, from start to end.