It's been a long time since I've felt this pain:
The kind that makes my stomach queasy,
The kind that alters my brain,
The kind that shuts me down easy
Until no spark can remain;

It's been a long time since I've felt this doubt:
The kind that makes my thoughts race,
The kind that I can't reroute,
The kind that haunts me in this place
Until I block everyone else out;

It's been a long time since I've felt this loss:
The kind that makes me start from scratch,
The kind that is quick to toss,
The kind that prevents a following catch
Until all purpose is far across.

December 12th, 2023