Pain

Pain carves into the lines of me

deepening the grooves 

around my lips 

my eyes

between my dark brows

I feel from my ankle 

on the left side

up to my left hand 

all the nerves in their

discordant song of bells

calling out their music.

Under my ribs 

where my heart is pillowed

I feel the lymph nodes

clustered thicker than 

bunches of red currants

pulsing in anger

and one dagger 

sheathed into my side

but only when I breathe 

or move.

Armies inside me are mustering 

for a future battle

the day of which 

I hope to delay forever

but this price is happily paid

that I may lock my shield 

in a wall of friendship 

to protect others 

who are more vulnerable.