Broken Promises

          (In memory of Tater, with love)

If I could stack them, they would

tower over my aching head like

an ominous cloud;

they cast a shadow on my soul.

I promised my cat, age 21, the best of care.

Suddenly one early morning,

        she could not stand up.

I, too, could not rise from the floor;

(immobile, head pounding, severe dehydration

from expelling at both "ends" all night with a migraine).

The phone, beyond my reach.

My husband found us that night:

kitty never stood--or ate--again.

The incurable pain,

is not being "able"

when it matters the most.

The pain of broken promises,

letting down loved ones, lost opportunities;

as depressing as the pain of

headaches 15 days per month.

I am not without Hope.

Neurophysiologists seek headache causes.

Investigators test new drugs.

Physicians try new regimens.

Advocates lobby congress for help.

Patients support each other.

Please, hurry.

Meanwhile, the commitments I have broken,

they line up like soldiers.

They knock on the door to my conscience,

       a relentless army.