To Compatriots in Pain

Songs Of Anguish

Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash

To my compatriots in pain
Songs of anguish. Songs of sorrow
Songs of pain. Sounds of life

Pain, every life traveller’s companion
As sure as the very steps we trod
Relentless in its reminders
That life is all but rosy
Like prickly thorns on a desired rose
Or stinged barbs on a twisting vine

Pain, the teacher and tutor that never deviates
Always ready with whip and scourge
To lash into subdued submission
Burying lofty dreams and grand ideas
Overarching ambition and great expectations
Till bent over and twisted
We give up all hope, joy and pleasure

Pain, the master leveler
Piercing eyes boring through
Assured in the knowledge that only she and death
Hold the titles of universal levelers
Laughing menacingly at those who think
They can escape its great and expert whip