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Although I have seen many: Although I have seen many poems, in the second person voice, I think you have handled this difficultvoice very well.  I believe that the subject of the poem required the second person voice---because, in this particular subject, that voice allows you to address the reader directly, and establishing a fellowship with the reader, and presenting an understanding of the universal experience of Pain.  A first person strategy, like a blog, might have failed; and a third person approach, like a philosopher would have used, would have sounded hollow or patronizing.  Pain is a very personal, and possibly very intimate, experience.  Most human beings have some knowledge of it; and, in addressing the reader directly, you establish a keen fellowship on one of the few grounds of our humanity where such a fellowship can not only be established, but can thrive.  I can feel better about my pain (in this case, mostly physical, but often excruciating---as it will be on Monday when I undergo a procedure) having heard you describe it (that first stanza is chilling in its verbal accuracy) so well.  And, though the poem is subjective, it is also objective because it speaks to aspects of pain that I can validate, from my past, and going forward.     On a couple of Patriciajj's poems, I have said that one of the functions of Poetry is for Poets, who are part of the Cosmos, to explain the Cosmos to itself.  I happen to believe we are alone in this Cosmos (although I do not disparage anyone who believes differently), and that one of the reasons for which we were created is, like Adam naming the animals in Eden, to name the constellations, and to create the explanation of the Cosmos for the Cosmos.   I also believe that part of this explanation process is to explain ourselves to ourselves as well.  Pain is part of this broken world, and one of our burdens within it.  This poem you have posted is part of the explanation we offer ourselves, as, for the poem's duration, you speak for us, and on our behalf; and, at the same time, the Cosmos, just over your shoulder, is listening in.   

thank you: always a pleasure to receive a beautifully written comment from you!

Dancing in the summer heat!: Dancing in the summer heat! An amazing feat. Much later on, poor tired feet. Thanks for sharing.

My first reading was to begin: My first reading was to begin to appreciate the poem.  I say this in the way that Eliot meant it.  An anecdote about him says that when he was told, by an acquaintance, that she had just finished reading Dante's Divine Comedy, and that she had completed reading all three cantos although that was her first time.  He told her she had not completed it; she had only begun reading it.  This poem contains all the virtues of your entire collection; which, I have learned to understand, cannot be fully appreciated on a first reading (no matter how intense that reading may be.  To be fully appreciated, your Poetry must be read; then studied; then re-read after such study . . . and these are still only preliminary steps.  I think the fullest knowledge of your Poems will come to us in Heaven; another blessing to be anticipated. My reading today was for a distinct purpose, not just a casual reading, and certainly not a reading just to pass the time.  I wanted to enjoy---and to savor---the beauty of some of my favorite phrases in this poem.   I cannot say enough about your poetry, and I hope my comments never become tiresome to you.  But, like an astronomer devout to his observation of the stars, I am devout to your Poems; and that should not be kept silent.

This should be the official: This should be the official pledge of mothers everywhere. The world would certainly be a better place if every child was fortunate enough to experience the unconditional love you so sincerely expressed. How true that this love is only "seemingly self sacraficial". It is perhaps the fullfilling experience in our human travels.   This title is priceless: what better way to describe this dream?    Graceful and inspiring work. 

Thank you for the comment,: Thank you for the comment, and the good wish for my health, although, health-wise, things are a little precarious right now; and, as I said in my reply to Patricia, some unexpected difficulties have arisen.  But, despite that, I am still well enough to continue to admire your Symbolist Poetry, and to applaud the magnificent work you have posted at postpoems.