Ms Dale C. Thurlow
MsDale@thedline.com

The Pain

I woke up early with pain in my shoulder
Oh well, I thought, signs of getting older
At work that day, the hours just flew
The pain had spread and intensified too

I am glad it's closing time, I thought to myself
I need to get home to the medicine shelf
The movement of my shoulder, to pin up my hair
Brought more pain, than I could hardly bear

I'd been told years ago, that I had a "condition"
Is this the arthritis, I thought was in remission?
I had times of fever, some aches and pains
Other symptoms I'd notice, but none were the same

I thought flu, a cold or virus, take your pick!
By now I was starting to feel -- really sick
Strange I thought, I'm not usually susceptible to germs
Any health ailments had always been of short term

I went in search for the heating pad
And I knew when I found it, I would be glad
The things you use sometimes -- not all
Create a search, where you could climb the wall

I figured whatever it is, will soon be gone
In a couple of days, I'll feel fine and strong
When the numbness started in my hands and face
I called to a doctors office with great haste

This is the beginning of my medical nightmare
The long journey with - corporate - medical care
The patients are many, the doctors hurry through
If this can happen to me -- it can also happen to you.