is it sharp?
is it burning?
is it constant?
is it intermittent?

is it throbbing?
is it crampy?
is it gnawing?
does it spread?

was it always here?
laughing in the shadows,
knowing in the end
that I am in its thrall

the night lengthens
the dawn grows distant
and dreams grow more perilous
hope wanes

but I will trust to luck as always
only fickle fate can guide my way