A Deep Ache Poem by Brian Rihlmann

There's a deep ache
in my shoulder joint,
a nagging injury
from years
of lifting weights.

A few stretches
and exercises help.
Sometimes it pops
and feels better.

But no matter what I do,
the old ball and socket
will never be the same.

Many things are like that,
despite what the priests, shrinks,
and self help gurus tell us.

The endless books
and remedies prove
there ain't no cure,

only things that pop
and move freely,
and feel better
for awhile,

then bind
and ache again.