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"The Andromeda Pain"
by Jeph Johnson
A sharp pain stabbed through my stomach again today.
As I recline my belly buckles with fear. Each rumble a miniature eruption that stings other parts of my body.
My face frowns and fathoms whether smiling can happen again.
The knot binds again in my pancreas as the noxious unpleasantries mix together inside. My face twists. I shake my head - your aroma is no longer something I can conjure. Stale is my sense of smell.
I smile but cannot laugh. I've learned to laugh in this life once but now that no other options exist I fear I've forgotten. I had more laughs to share with you but instead they collapsed as heckles. As they will again. Your presence was once a breeze of fresh springtime air, but now it's difficult to inhale. Filled with the breathe of so many others. I lived a hundred lifetimes when you're in my embrace, but died a crushing death when you forgot. Terminal and infernal are off rhymes.
Your gift of eloquent
Your gift of eloquent expression shines through this shattering account of pain and sorrow. I felt every word and marveled at your talent, then I prayed for your comfort. This hits hard. Powerful work.