I’m feeling a lot of physical pain now; an ache in my joints, an itching soreness in my feet. Perhaps these are the natural results of age or having too much weight upon me.
It’s hard to talk about these things or even write about them. I feel like I’m whining, depressing everyone I discuss my pain with, including myself.
My inclination is to make a joke about my pain, to try to laugh about it with other people. It’s a lot better than being laughed at. For there’s fear at the heart of my jest; fear that my pain is making me weak, ridiculous, and repellent. Best to get in on the joke, before I’m found out and laughed at. For there are those on the look out for someone to single out and mock; before anyone singles out and mocks them.
Pain is at the heart of many a joke. I often feel better if I can laugh at my own, releasing my fear and anxiety over the hurt.
How much better will I feel, if I take my pain and channel it into a poem or a story?
I’ve done it before. It’s been twice as cathartic as a joke.
Here’s hoping I can continue to do so.