A sucker punch down the middle
The tightening on my left side
I struggle to gain control
And cough blood off to the right
Did I earn this unseen enemy?
That comes from deep within
The attacks they come_unprovoked
I know not how, where or when.
The attacker hides and waits
Like a coward it hides low
It waits until my guard is down
And strikes its gripping blow.
I struggle, gasping air
My lungs they whistle shrill
I struggle to remain calm
The battle goes on still.
For the moment it would seem
That victory is mine,
But wait, there’s to be more yet,
I can feel another sign.
The itching has returned
It lingers deep inside
Cruel soft fingers reach
From where I cannot hide.
It wearies me to have
This thing that I must be
I long to be someone
Without this illness part of me.
Pain to be endured as the illness comes upon you. Won't relent as long as you are tense. Will be less painful with medicines if you take them. Pain is so intense inside and out somedays that I do so wish God would take me away and bring me a painfree life. Maybe my times isn't up yet, so I abide my pain and try to forget it is there.
Reviewed by Rafika Anderson (Reader)
Reviewed on December 27, 2007
Oh, this brings to mind so many, many events in my life. I suppose I can easily relate to your well-written report of this attack. I like the balance you maintain in the rhythm and rhyme. Great effort.
I know how you feel, Erin. I've lived with MS and Lupus as well as a host of other maladies since age 12. I'll be 60 in June. I never know from one day to the next what will be, if I'll even be. This is a great write! I wrote of a particular episode of MS that I experienced 2 years ago: still lingers and attacks today- "Nerves Unsheathed" here in my den. ~~Bonnie Q
Associate Editor, WA
Waltsan Publishing, TX
I suppose everybody has his or her own demons to exorcise. I hope you have made the right choice as to how to deal with them.
Reviewed by Kijuana Henry (Reader)
Reviewed on September 27, 2003
I am a reader but also the author, Becca Henry. What a gripping story in the poem! Please read my daily struggles with my illness should you have the time. WOW! You are so very brave and have faith to fight, like how I am doing. We must remain STRONG, my dear friend! Read throughout my sight and you shall see my story. authorsden.com/rebeccaehenry
Erin,
revealing, honest and real!
By the way, yes without humor, I'd never find the light to crawl into the morrow!
Warmly,
Rodney Evan Bohen
Reviewed by Phyllis Jean Green
Reviewed on March 14, 2003
From "sucker punch" through "I long to be someone without this illness part of me," you keep the reader's attention and make
hi/r feel your pain. Sorry if the pain is real...if this is autobiographical,I mean. But of course, the pain is real either way. Touching! Phyllis
Reviewed by Joseph* OneLight*® (Reader)
Reviewed on March 11, 2003
I too struggle daily with pain because of an illness with no cure. Keep writing ... it's a good release.
The symbolism in this poetry is outstanding Erin. The words flow so easy! Glad I stumbled across you this morning so that I could enjoy a wonderful, thought provoking read. So many of us know this monster your words describe so well. Visit my den and ready, "Myself" and you will find the same monster lurking there, described in my style!
Reviewed by STEVE JONES
Reviewed on December 7, 2002
GREAT POEM..A THORN IN YOUR FLESH KEEPS YOU HUMBLE AND KNOWING ITS THERE MAKES YOU STRONGER...KEEP WRITING
Reviewed by Betty Watson
Reviewed on December 4, 2002
Very good and true to the heart.
Betty
Reviewed by David W Turner
Reviewed on November 18, 2002
This poem is riveting. It lets the reader know almost what it is like to be helpless as you are attacked from within. Good job!!
Reviewed by Stephanie Sawyer, author
Reviewed on November 8, 2002
It catches immediately, holding attention and inviting curiosity. As the name is of the work, so is the grip on the need to know more. Poignant and compelling for compassion.
Married ten years, and more in love than ever, Robert and Marcie have everything to live for. But a terrible secret is breaking Robert's heart: he knows that Marcie is about to die...
Married ten years, and more in love than ever, Robert and Marcie have everything to live for. But a terrible secret is breaking Robert's heart: he knows that Marcie is about to die...
Major League ballplayer Justin Moore is kidnapped from his own ballpark and transported to a foreign land. It might take high-level international negotiations to free him. Or maybe he will take matters into his own hands.
Associate Editor, WA
Waltsan Publishing, TX
Rodd
Keep the faith, your best days are ahead of you.
Officer William Heffner
revealing, honest and real!
By the way, yes without humor, I'd never find the light to crawl into the morrow!
Warmly,
Rodney Evan Bohen
hi/r feel your pain. Sorry if the pain is real...if this is autobiographical,I mean. But of course, the pain is real either way. Touching! Phyllis
Joseph
Betty