Ode to Cluster Headache

Ode to Cluster Headache

Closest companion for a score of years,
Yet to recall your touch summons anguished lament.
The undeserved gift of salty tears
which wet my cheeks with melancholy sentiment.
Bone searing pain and torturous affliction both devised
To drag me from Morpheus’ clutches surprised.
Those days of agony and moments of despair
echo still of stifled cries, clenched teeth and pulled hair.

Trembling faith preserved hope through destined course
until glimpsed through glassy eyed wonder,
visions to aid and transform Pain‘s force
as medicine’s latest marvel tore us asunder.
Such a simple thing that began our start;
a hole in the wall of the chambers of my heart.
Then the implanted device, placed to close
bestowed such relief only heaven knows.

Shoulders loosed of your mantle, finally granted rest.
Still I braced myself for the approaching trial
and though sleep’s shadow was light at best
I’d waken on my own, anxious for your arrival.
As if my temerity in seeking a cure
would anger and cause reprisal sure.
Yet, sweet peace has reigned and life restored
to one whose death was nearly assured.

Others now deal with your furrowed brow,
your caustic humor and vile torment endure.
Plague not my doorstep, and take your bow
for marionette’s strings hold no lure.
Gladly do I destroy the opiate remnants of our history,
Ready to partake in life’s marvelous mystery.
So farewell Cluster Headache, your time has passed.
Your power has broken and freedom’s mine at last