Pain

It creeps up, silently, bold
It’s in my joints, I feel old
It’s in my head, I want to scream
It’s everywhere, even in my dreams

It’s relentless, when will it go?
Chronic, they call it, well hey ho!
I call it my Nemesis
I wish I could get rid
Of all the pains that come to me
The ones I never bid

I say a silent prayer
Asking it to leave
I hope someone is listening
I need some relief

Damn you pain! Damn you body!
Why must my life be so damn shoddy!
I can’t explain how bad I am
“You look so well” – people think I’m a sham

So I carry on, in my silent task
“I’m fine” I say, when people ask
For no one cares – they don’t, not really
If my chronic condition makes me weary

But no one sees me cry at night
Struggle to sleep, waiting for light
No one sees me trying to breathe
When my lungs won’t expand, it isn’t a breeze

So I get up each morning and count my blessings
Is it a good day? Who knows? I’m always guessing
If it is – then I’ll do what I can
But I’ll soon be tired and in pain again.

Oh what a life! I could cry and moan
But I won’t, because I know I’m not alone
There’s many like me, suffering each day
A handful of tablets to take on the way

For we are warriors, and fight we will
All helped along by each little pill
Keep showing up with a great big smile
Even though every step feels like a mile.