My days are disjointed,
just as my spirit is cut up and abused
having been handled roughly by this life.
I maintain a smile and refuse negativity
on all but the worst of days
when the pain is less easy to ignore.
Today, I vascillate between despair
and heady optimism, potent though manufactured.
And in all internal circumstances,
I am outwardly cheerful and compassionate.
Though I am hurt no one see through my fronts.
All day doctors and nurses stream past my desk,
they meet me coming and going in stairwells
and none has yet asked after my well being,
even as empty etiquette dictates
though I gasp breath after the first few steps
and my ill complexion frequently yellows.
I will smile through parched lips
and utter salutations with foetid breath
both the offspring of the medication
that dulls the constant discomfort,
slows the degredation of my body
and comforts a constantly sorrowed mind.

07/21/2006

Author's Note: Day Five of the One Week Challenge, and I had to internalize today. I wasn't feeling well.

Posted on 07/23/2006
Copyright © 2025 Lacy D Phillips