Richard Martin
Accustomed
There should be more alleviations
than medication
for one’s pain –
in the end
there’s only the body
adjusting to more
than just discomfort,
getting accustomed
to the throbbing,
nagging presence
that’s within.
Out of this is born
a partnership:
the companionship of pain,
that unavoidable,
sadistic visitor,
who seems lodged
permanently inside,
that personal reminder
of mortality, of the
vicissitudes of life –
oh, the relief at its leaving,
the numb surprise
when pain returns,
as jagged
as lightning at
a summer garden party –
the familiarity of pain
almost makes it bearable,
almost beguiles you
into greeting
its recurrence
with a grin.
Page(s) 99
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