Squiggly lines impede my vision-

Mr. Migraine presents

His calling card.

My world is filled with dark spots-

Harbingers of the pain to come.

You have been a faithful visitor-

Appearing when I least expect you-

While I'm shopping or working-

Driving or eating-

You even intrude upon my dreams

Waking me up to acknowledge your presence

Into my consciousness.

I was eight-

When we met-

How could I tell Momma

That the buildings were playing

Peek-a-boo

Even though my eyes were open?

A vise was crushing my temples-

Pushing against my eyeballs-

An invisible baseball bat hitting a home run-

Bile tickling at my throat-

I didn't have the words then to describe you-

So I just cried.

I have tried all of the pills, the drops, the herbs

I have avoided caffeine, cheese and chocolate-

But you are more loyal

Than any friend or lover.

I guess we will always be together-

I can count on you-

To remind me of my mortality-

My inevitable tormentor-

My cerebral nemesis.