The sirens got louder.

Not the penetrating of the blade

it was the twisting that caused

the damage and the pain.

He didn't even feel the pain

before he saw and felt the blood.

Time waited, breath waited, 

his mind waited and his nervous

system was on hold.

Then time moved and blinding

pain, agonising breath and shaking

that was beyond control all

joined forces with each 

demanding pre-eminence.

Pain won the day

and thankfully so

it was the pain

that kept him focused.

Pain, sweet, adorable pain

his companion and the

measure of his consciousness.

Where there is pain, there is life,

where there is life, there is hope. 

And the sirens got closer.