When the pain gets severe, we are forced to stop and listen
When enduring chronic pain, I was finally forced to visit a medical doctor, revealing a long-neglected condition. My hectic schedule and determination to push through the pain eventually forced me to stop. Despite my reluctance, I realised the severity of my situation.
This poem reflects the struggle to balance a busy, hectic life with the determination to keep going and push through the pain barrier and the need to listen to our bodies and respect the message it is trying to give us. It was only when my pain could not be relieved by natural therapies and over-the-counter pain medication that I succumbed and went to consult a doctor. This poem is Part 3 of a series about my journey with cancer. Beverley Joy
Listen HERE – poem – Stop and Listen
An Uber arrived to take me away
From a designer house, a Bull Terrier and a sphinx
I breathe a deep sigh to be saying goodbye
Eight months spent house-sitting pets.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, working hard
On Thursdays, I visit my dad, who is ageing fast
On Fridays, I pack my bag and off I go
Buses and trains to and fro.
On weekends, I look for a place to rent
I’m moving house interstate
My back is sore, I can’t ignore
I exercise, stretch and bend
Desperate for the pain to end.
Sightseeing here, hiking there
Busy weekends with my partner so dear
New clients, more work,
Building my life post-COVID
2023 began as an exciting year
Money is flowing, my plans fulfilling.
Helping family selflessly
Biting back the pain I feel
Screaming for me to listen
‘It’s time to stop’ But I solder on.
I take more over-the-counter pills
I buy ready-made meals
I’ll give it time to fix itself
Cause I’m fit and healthy.
Finished work late
I couldn’t run for the bus
Severe back pain
I watched it drive by.
Too much pain to sit and wait
I hobble the distance to my friend’s place
Collapsing on the floor
I make light of my dilemma.
She sees my pain
She’s been where I am
My face and posture tell the truth
She scoops me up and drives me home.
I’m losing the battle to solider on
To do the do. To get the job done
I cancel work and stay in bed
‘I’ll rest a few days and that should fix the pain.’
But the pain persisted
Home remedies not fixing
I can’t work, so I reluctantly phone the doctor.
Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry © 2023 All Rights Reserved.
Listen to all my poems HERE
Image by David Bruyland from Pixabay
Simply Story Poetry 
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