Painful Burning [r] Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Shoulders sagging - feeling guilty about having a
migraine - fearing what dire prognosis this might
lead to, what surrender t' delinquent punishment
entailing pain may mean - relief is only to repeat
over and over that my legs or arms won't be cut
off in retribution - I won't be sent to prison; there
is no punishment for failing to find perfect health

There are painkillers galore and as long as I take
these to enable me to function and be at my post,
I can be conscience-free and do my best, even if
my best isn't all that good - it's all I have to give -
sitting at my desk is not too bad but talking to the
other folk at work is the real test, staying patient
while th' inside of my head feels flaming red and

Burning, & my eyes are popping out of my head:
it is a real trial & true suffering; try to stay calm
while others happily ‘gibber-gabber' about their
great lives - while mine is a shambles of painful
burning and pressure in my head…