A Warning to Pain

I am submitting my poem entitled "A Warning to Pain" for APF's Annual  Celebration and awards.

I have been living with rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years. The first onset was quick and vicious effecting every joint in my body. I was scared and depressed, and my work performance suffered from it. I was given the standard medications at the time, and they seemed to help. For awhile my symptoms became very mild, and it appeared that I might have beaten it. But then it came back with a vengence! I've endured five orthopedic surgeries in my hands and feet and am left with limited use of my hands and painful feet. I have been fortunate to be able to take one of the new biologic medicines now available and seem to have the worst of it under control. The best thing I did for myself was get involved in a Chronic Pain Group where I learned so much and made supportive friends. I hope my poem reflects my new attitude on dealing with chronic pain.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Wright

kbwright@cybervault.com

"A Warning to Pain."

You wern't invited, but still you came. I didn't want you, as your name was Pain. You're chronic they say and will probably stay, but if you do, the're are rules you'll obey! I won't become you, and you won't become me. I'll be in charge, on that you'll agree.

You won't steal my joy or interfere with my life, nor spoil my fun or cause me strife. You won't bring me down or keep me awake, because if I must, there are remedies I'll take. I'll pray and read and meditate, and from your source I'll separate.

You're sneaky I've heard, and sometimes you leave, but then you'll return and cause me to grieve. I'll fight you though and won't give in, and in the end I'm sure to win. I'll arm myself with bands of friends who'll stay with me 'til your power decends.

So stay if you dare, but hear this well. The despair that you bring in me will not dwell.