the first prickles of pain make their presence known above your right temple
you know it’ll only be a matter of moments before more pain sets in like shards of glass
piercing
threatening
consuming
the nausea soon sets in, sunlight feels more like a punishment
six minutes until you’re nestled into your bed
take a breath
feel the cool air hitting your clammy face
try to count
20
19
18
the stoplight changes, and you feel a fresh wave of nausea and pain take hold
17
16
15
turn off the ignition
gather your things
walk briskly, but try not to lurch over in pain
14
13
12
keys through the door
worried paws scamper across the floor in greeting
pain and nausea have fully taken hold, but your bed is within sight
11
10
9
feel the mattress hold your weight
close your eyes
ignore the throbbing sensation
8
7
6
darkness
slowed breaths
stillness
5
4
3
2
1
relief