Monumental Back Spasm

Poem for the suffering

“Doctor, Doctor, I cannot reach my socks” — she lay me down and taped me up like a broken cardboard box. Image: author’s own.

If you’ve had a bad back and think you know pain
I’m sorry to tell you, it’s time to think again
For beyond back pain is a terrifying chasm
Fall into the hell of monumental back spasm

Was it the walk or the weeding or tying your shoes?
Or an accumulation of stuff that lit the fuse?
Glowing brighter and hotter ’til its burning ignites
Your nervous system into fight or flight

Your body is now hostage. You will not move at all.
Pain blocks all exits as a dark solid wall
You try standing, you try sitting, but all do-ing’s now a sin
How can such violence be coming from within?

You might never imagine such agony
Can come from friendly gravity
She tugs from the earth (as she does) at your back
Sets off a new spasm — you’re under attack!