Bitter Brilliance

Feels like a legion ants crawling
under my skin - every thought
triggers a feeling which causes
a mini-explosion in my body -
sharp aches in my wrists

Lime cordial - that is the thing
never drink it again, whatever
I ate and drank tonight shall be
taboo, these symptoms are
terrible, being eaten alive

The bed an uneven rock and
my back so sore, bitter brilliance
of an allergy attack, skin shrinking
while my mind is blocked - cannot
find a pleasing thought, though

I have magnificent and light-hearted
obsessions enough to motivate me
all the time - I cannot access these
while the allergy holds sway
- no sympathy sought

I have succeeded to make a mess
all by myself therefore I must extricate
myself, using the values and principles
I have found – yet it feels as if I am
buried, arms bound

In a concrete cage, far from the knowledge
and help of human companions...