It happened in a moment,
relaxed, at ease,
then one wrong turn,
and snakes coiled
tight around my waist,
to take my spine prisoner.
**
Breathe stolen,
nerves electrified,
I step into a minefield,
one wrong move,
and the spasm
threats to shatter
my fragile composure.
**
Day into night,
night into day,
my twisted spine
locked in its cage.
a fleeting moment of relief
gone in an instant.
**
A test of my endurance
to hold onto normalcy,
until the snakes
finally retreat.
***
I haven't been very active on Vocal this week due to a lower back spasm. Watercolor has been easier to manage with this kind of pain, but today, the words flowed from me, carried by the pain itself.
About the Creator
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (16)
Spasms are very painful! I'm glad that you were able to find some release in art. I haven't seen you in a while, but I pray that your health has improved or improving. Sending you mega-write vibes!
The picture you painted with your words is really vivid. Best wishes to you. Stay strong.
Your description of pain is incredibly vivid, stay strong.
Love, Light, and Healing Energy to You! ⚡💙⚡
I hope that you can find relief & healing soon... Praying 🙏🏾
I'm sorry to hear that, Daphne, and I hope you are getting some help and will soon be feeling better. Take care.
I hope you are treating the root of the pain, and that you feel better really soon. Be blessed with hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Omgggg, I can only imagine the pain you're going through 🥺 I hope you feel better soon. Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
I'm sorry you felt this way. I hope you feel this way soon
Powerful - you're like a Frida Kahlo of poetry.
First I would like to say, I hope you are feeling better soon. Secondly, what creative and beautiful work comes out of pain. - Well Done!!!
Beautiful poem. I hope you'll be better soon!
Get better soon! This was a painful write-yet beautiful!
This sounds very painful. Great work
This was a good to explain what is happening and cannot wait to see the watercolor that your back pain gave you. You are a very creative person that works through pain. Good job.
Awe it a horrible thing isn’t it. I know as my hubby gets this, due to an injury years ago. He can go years, then bang it starts ♦️♦️♦️