As Long As I Am Hurting

By John I. Blair

It just makes sense,
I often say:
As long as I am hurting
I know I am alive . . .
Perilous comfort,
For if I hurt too much
I may wish that I were dead,
A sign of life itself
As a wish I would not make
Were I not sure of my existence.

With that thought understood,
Today I think the life force
Is strong in me indeed,
Since I hurt like hell
And fear I never will
Feel well again.
But if pain
Is all I have to pay
To buy another day,
So far, so good.

©2003 John I. Blair