How do you measure pain?, di Laura Alaniz

How do you measure pain?

All is relative and personal

Even with one’s own self

It is impossible to compare

As memory distorts pain

Different nerves screaming

To communicate to the brain

(2014)

#SickPoems

I love to hear poetry read Rather than performed I love to hear each word Appreciated Rather than memorized

Antisocial tendencies Amplified by sickness I can people watch Yet I can’t people talk I am lonely

Bags full of diapers Cars waiting in line Smell coming from the load Ashamed it was mine He noticed my insulin pump

When I think of my mom I think of malt o meal muffins When I think of my dad Memories of a child Chasing us around the circle

Well-intentioned stranger Eyeing me limp through HEB Why would you ask If I stepped on a nail? How do you know

If I could make you smile Just once Sincerity From an appreciative heart It would make all of it worthwhile

Left on a leash Is no way to live He disappeared I like to imagine He’s running in a field

The passive-aggressive Guilt trip Is a weak tool For your purpose The sensitive

A conversation With a true friend Leaves your life richer Maybe with a laugh A smile on your face

My parents always say We’re proud of you I am too I got out of bed I used to get so much done

Algunos me gusta compartir Calientitos Justo cuando salgan del horno Que no se enfríe Por eso lo escribí

Uh-Oh! Cranky mood Throws a fit Over cereal Cheerios

My objective is selfish Not to share or be heard To get it out and move on No one seems to hear my pain No one seems to feel my pain

To be a true artist Must they be recluses Crazy mad or sick Or even better dead Show me a healthy artist

You might know her As blonde eyes Or as the sister who bakes cookies But you see I don’t write this