Chronic Pain

Please tell the world — pain is real, It doesn’t vanish, it doesn’t heal. Some may smile and say “you’ll mend,” But this is a war that will never end. Chronic pain doesn’t come-and-go, It’s in your joints, it’s all you know. It lingers in silence, behind each breath, A quiet shadow that mimics death. Debilitating, crushing, it’s stolen my days, In a thousand relentless, invisible ways. You can’t see the fire under my skin, Or the war I fight deep within. Every step burns, my legs scream in pain, I cry out loud without refrain. I can’t stand long, can’t walk far— I measure my strength by how close things are. Because you can’t see it, you think it’s a lie— But I cry every day just trying to get by. Change a lightbulb? Mop the floor? Fold the laundry? Go to the store? I can’t do those things—not anymore. Don’t tell me to smile, or “just take a walk,” You haven’t lived pain that makes breathing a shock. Every joint, every muscle I own Feels like it’s made of fire and stone. My hands are twisting, my fingers betray, A glass I could hold, now slips away. Inflamed, swollen, this body of mine Hunched over and twisted, pain in my spine. What’s left, I ask, please God, help me. I can’t take anymore, I cry on one knee. No work, no help, no one near, No voice that says, “I’m here. I hear.” Most days I wonder what I’m still living for— No message, no knock, no one at the door. No family that calls just to say “hi,” No one would notice if today I did die. I slowly disappear with each passing day, And pray for a reason—just one I should stay. So please tell the world be gentle, be wise, Not every battle is seen by the eyes. We fight in silence, we grieve alone, Inside these bodies that feel like stone. A little kindness, a hand to lend— Could be the reason someone won’t end. This isn’t a story of pity or plea, It’s just a truth—please, listen to me. Please be kind in what you do and the tone that you speak, You don't know who might be fractured and weak. One gentle act could help someone today— One cruel word might take them away. We are all just moments from breaking apart... So lead with compassion. It could save a heart.