Ending the Pain

Dear Arthritis,

Why do you hurt me?

Why do you squeeze the life out of me?

I wish we could be friends,

work through our differences,

but you crush me,

break me.

I try to forgive and forget,

but you remind me constantly,

remind me that I am not free.

I am in chains,

bending to your will.

I am not free from your pain.

The more you squeeze me,

the stronger you grow,

letting me disappear.

Fading into the darkness.

Fading into nothingness.

I grasp onto the objects I pass,

holding on for dear life.

Please, anyone help me,

I pray and scream,

but you tape my mouth shut.

You tell me no one can help me,

not even the doctors,

I am yours to command,

you say.

You are wrong.

I am strong.

I will break your chains,

and I will prevail through the pain.

You don't scare me,

I scare you;

because with time

you will fade.

And no one will hear you scream.

Sincerely, Caitlyn Rasband