Pain.
by Tom Joyce

A feeling of discomfort due to harm.
A reminder that one is still alive.
A way to escape.
A way to control.

An unkept promise.
A transparent lie.
A shot in the dark.
A slice in the light.
A transfer of itself.
A sliver of reality.
An unwelcome visitor.
An expected intruder.
An angel.
A demon.
A nightmare.
A dream.
A guilty pleasure.
A fear.
An unknown.
An island.
A whip.
An accident.
An attack.

The calm before the storm.
The storm.
The silence.
The din.
The blade.
The sin.
The disease.
The health.
The watching.
The waiting.
The fear.
The bystander.

Words.
Sticks.
Stones.
Knives.
Guns.
Mace.
Torment.
Deceit.
Delay.
Decay.

A way to control.
A way to escape.
A reminder that one is still alive.
A feeling of discomfort due to harm.

Pain.