Flare

An arthritis flare

Pain introduces itself

takes a bow

kisses my swollen hand

fluid rushes to the joints

inflammation, hot and thick

my eyes become the Sahara

my mouth the Mohave

Stranded in these deserts

no hope for permanent reprieve

only hope to find respite in those oasis spots

that I find along my trek through life

my life is more desert than oasis

pain and drought