*****

Recorded Reading (1:26): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/46qt0uq5yl95gx5sav054/Pain.mp3?rlkey=5yeltd9485wrfg1p4bl2en7l6&dl=0

*****

Pain

I try not illness to deplore
Know I’ve much to thank it for
I a small smart aleck was
Given me compassion has
Slowed me down consider to
All the wisdoms go into
Poetry which comes from it
As it would not were I fit
And active in the world around

With energy did I abound
I’d make my contributions of
More tangible sorts of love
The which I never can provide,
Hold my head in social pride,
Be able to pay for a space
In which I needn’t show my face
To any on an achy day
When nothing seems to go my way

Instead of this exposure to
Unsympathetic public view
Of everybody happens be
So nearly surrounding me
Living always publicly
Always inconveniently
To those whom I’d so rather be
Helping beneficially

Barely able keep my place
On the fringe of others’ space
A day late and a dollar short
Unable to make cas’ual sport
Of influences counter to
This work I’m dedicated to
Because no other work I be
Fit for even minimally

Apologies that I complain ~
I wish I weren’t in so much pain

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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