Pain

There it is, once again.

A suffocating tightness under my breast

radiating upwards, straight into my heart.

But somehow I can still breathe, unlike before

when the searing pain was too intense.

The mask I wore, a visible sign of inward suffocation.

Steroids and albuterol, a physical life line,

but nerves and mind screamed danger with every inhalation.

As I breathe now, pain and sorrow demand attention.

I have learned that I must honor my pain.

Pain lights the path to healing.

Electric signals running through nerves must be felt —

As my breath rises and falls deep within my pain,

I know I am healing,

feeling the light currents within.