more of my shameless book promotion time! continuing with my 2021 collection ‘from my front steps.’

at the time of its writing, i was struggling with the effects of spinal stenosis, masking the pain with copious amounts of booze and unwilling to lean into self-healing even while i still readily helped others. i had to learn that healers have their own process, and timeline, before accepting and stepping into what they already own.

‘from my front steps’ is available on amazon. if you enjoy it, please indulge me the favor of a review.

today’s selection is:

‘chronic pain’

it’s borrowed time sitting atop my front steps

no longer can my spine withstand the compression

i grit teeth and knock the amber down my throat

disconnecting anguish from reality

month by month bowing just a bit more

in my head i am still who i can no longer be

come stare into my eyes before they dull over

there before you the illusion i’ve married—

i am whole; i am whole—

but i am nothing. and i am tired. and i am worn;

the humidity rolling down my ribs

a reprieve to the fire rolling

thru my core.

#barflypoet

#josephapinto

'Dead Bird,' 'From My Front Steps,' 'Scotch and Scars' and 'A Distilled Spirit' poetry collections available in paperback and ebook on Amazon.

instagram at joseph_a_pinto

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JosephPinto

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