Everything Aches

'Everything Aches' Oh my arms do ache as I write down this prose Most days it feels like the pain goes all the way to my toes Bring me back lazy days lying in the sun Or the age when being flexible meant so much more fun Living with aches and strains and all things stretchy Remembering a day without pain seems so sketchy From my head, to my ankles, hips and back in between They say it would help if I could be more 'lean' But extra movement above the essentials feels unfair It even kills me each morning just to blow dry my hair So please understand how hard it can be every day When all I want to do is stay in my bed and lay I know you may find it hard to understand That even the slightest pain in the knuckles, the hand Can be overbearing, and so unforgiving But still have to work, still make a living If only you knew how hard most days it becomes Just to text and email, how much it strains ones thumbs Childbirth may have been so much faster and slicker But ageing of the pelvis and hips comes much quicker My pelvic floor and backside have certainly seen better days My moaning and groaning you must hope is a faze Shoulders forever, feeling so strained My legs constantly looking blue veined Cramps in my arches, IBS in my tummy Hereditary illness, blame my flexible mummy Bunions will scream, Bulging discs take my power It even pains me just to stand in the shower Tired and sleepy I need to relax Even those days that I rest to the max So just bring me your patience, comfort, understanding Even when you hear my joints creak more than the landing You know it's me, 'crackling' just walking downstairs The lack of sleep again bringing nightmares Thank you for listening, for just being here Not having you close to comfort is my biggest fear I know I go on, my frustration and tears Must be hard work for so many years But knowing you're here to carry the weight of my head Even on the days it feels heavier than lead Gives me the strength to be strong, keep me moving Your love and support it just keeps on proving Thank you again for holding my hand and week wrist Even though my pain must never seem to cease to persist 'Everything Aches' by Victoria Payne