A rare disease, hidden and small,
Maple syrup urine calls.
A scent so sweet, yet danger near,
A signal loud for all to hear.
Leucine, valine, amino ties,
Unable to break down, they rise.
In infants’ cries, their bodies slow,
Toxins in their blood will grow.
Lethargy steals the infant’s might,
Feeding struggles through the night.
The brain it clouds, delays appear,
And seizures fill the air with fear.
A test at birth, a screen reveals,
The truth that early care can heal.
With diets strict, they learn to cope,
And specialized formulas bring hope.
In some, the liver can be key,
A transplant sets their bodies free.
Yet always watch, with care and love,
For every child’s health is enough.
In sweetness there, a warning lies,
Early care will save their lives.
A lifelong journey paved with care,
But courage meets them everywhere.
