By Carol H Ehrlich
Denver Branch
‘A number between one and ten?”
He asks in flat voice
as though that’s all it is.
A number.
Pain is more than this.
A startle,
a grip, a vise,
a command,
a scythe that cuts you down,
a pulley that tears you away,
a nail that holds you fast.
All these in no order.
Just random, curse-like blows
that come with insult
and go at will.
Like some ghoul
pain shreds peace uncaring,
takes its time
and leaves no salve,
no apology.
Excellent! I know someone
close to those murdered at Q club.
Thank you so much.
Lovely
Sometimes, an honest and unflinching description of pain can act as a salve for both writer and reader. There is relief to be found, in calling a thing what it is.
Claire Massey
NLAPW Poetry Editor
Pain is very well captured in this metaphor-rich poem.
Very strong and real. I pray this is not your personally. Sending prayers for healing if you are the one in pain.
“A number between one and ten? A callous question asked all too frequently with mindless adherence to medical protocol. This poem hits with surgical precision and as for the last two lines, they capture what it is like for those forced to endure nightmarish bouts of chronic pain. Incisive and powerful, Carol.
Oh wow! I get it!
So true. Felt the pain.
Wow, very impactful. Thank you for sharing.