Pain curls itself on my chest
In the night
Like a malevolent cat
Ready to sink its claws deep
Into my sternum
And deeper into my lungs
With each cough I fear
To make
Until I remember to call the nurse
Who brings meds
Just in time
David Trudel © 2013
Even though mine was my spine rather than my chest I remember the fear of sneezing or coughing
It sure hurts at first but this time around the pain, and the fear, is fading fast. I am lucky to have the surgery in the summer, makes it a lot easier.