NOT THE END

Pain slowly crawling
through me.
Born inside, slowly
creeping out of my skin.

Fear setting in,
gently asking, can you take some more?
Watch the answer formulate in my mind;
whatever you can dish out,
I’ll take in.
Just focusing on the quiet little center;
that none can shatter;
just breathe to ease the pain away.

It’s not the end
lonely man
mend the wounds
head on out forward back again.