the face of pain in the mirror

looks at me with familiarity

(hello my old friend)

i had almost become accustomed

to smiling

and in the moment i was ready to accept

it fell way again

(like the sand being carried on a passing breeze)

and i could not bring forth the tears

to express my sorrow

(for i am happy to be back)

in the world of pain

(the familiarity is nice)

because sometimes

it's the only way you know you are alive

(and i am)

(c)Rachel Perlman 1997 Back to the Poetry Corner