M any years have passed since I first felt your presence

U nderneath my skin, twisting and churning, you warped my sinews,

L igaments tore and bent until the nerves, delicate strands of silk,

T angled into paths no currier could hope to follow.

I hunted you among the eskers, wormy mounds you left behind,

P arsing your gravelly remnants, as if by labelling your structure I could

L earn enough about you to etch your true name upon the brass nameplate,

E liminate you from my life before you did more damage.



S lowly, months pass and I drive you back, but still you

C rash into me viscously, my body revolts at change.

L imits are set upon me by you, destroying conduits,

E dging out what once pulsed true heart's blood

R ed, glowing strength and joy; air was all I needed. Life had

O ffered feelings in my past sun's warmth, wind's chill, love's cheer;

S inging through my soul, emotions gave my life rhythm. Once,

I worked, ran, danced, sang, made love, held my child, my heart.

S hrouds of despair now mute my world, color me gray.