caught a rise

Anger is a response to pain.

Sometimes that pain is about

deflecting shame of embarrassment.

Sometimes that pain is about

long festering wounds that never scab over,

maybe quiet for a time,

then that new wrong reminds you,

exhumes intensity.

Sometimes it’s here and now

cutting, searing, concussing, contusing,

abusing, denying you as human, or

demanding tribute you can’t afford.

Brandish that angry sword to express,

transmute what you can no longer

endure as pain.

                !

Anger can be a burden, but also

an inspiration to discover succor

and possible solutions to move toward,

to mitigate your pain.