Honorable Mention:

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The onset of puberty I first complained,
these terrible headaches kept me detained,
with each monthly PMS curse also came
the commencement of this horrid migraine.

Our family physician did quickly proclaim,
"It's your sinuses that are to blame."
He immediately sought to 'cure' my pain,
"Just take these sinus pills," he explained.

This treatment my mother sought to maintain,
wringing her hands, trying to hide her disdain,
she brought cold washcloths to lay over my brain.
Clearly, this therapy could not long sustain,
I was soon taking aspirin like sugarcane
trying to get rid of this frightful migraine.

Thus began the long search for a cure,
each new phase I learned to endure,
I learned how to cope when life seemed so unsure,
in counting my blessings I felt more secure.

Suffering today under this icepack
my throbbing head giving me no slack,
feeling the next moment my head's going to crack
now fearful from learning that's not a wisecrack.
Oh, how long do I have to endure this attack?!?

Then my dear granddaughter sits down by my bed
offering sweet prayers for my aching head,
she's often seen Papa with me bow his head,
"Bring healing and comfort, Lord," he's many times said.

The Lord gives me strength to get through this pain,
His promises help me feel whole again,
love will sustain me, that's why I proclaim
this inhumane migraine will not win the game!

© 2002

Please, you must accept my apology.
See I am sick in a way I cannot comprehend
As I write I cry.

At the most inopportune times pain is unleashed.
The fall into the dark cave occurs
Or the rise to heavenly heights ascends.

All control is absent and by the wayside, as an aside, in a play.
It is left when it should be right
It is sad when it should be happy.

Searching desperately for the solitude in the center of the being.
Watch, for it is alone and allusive
And passes as a shadow in the ebony.

The Red God in the core of the soul knows the shadow.
The Red God knows spiraling pain
The Red God knows abject confusion.

The Red God offers no answers.
I alone must accept the disease.

© 2002

One tear falls on my cheek...
the pain so severe I can not even speak...
I toss and turn, hoping for the pain to stop
but another tear, I feel it drop.
I pray for healing from our Father above,
"Can you help me?" Please send relief...
But the pain in my head robs like a thief.
I close my eyes and wait for an "end"
but instead I see flashes of light just bend.
By this time my face is twisted from the pain,
and one tear falls again and again.

© 2002

Flowery plant, sticky gum
powdery thurifer of calm,
petals of perfect peace, relief
somniferous and sanctified.

Vessel of Mercy
bear me away--
in celestial towers let me sway,
until the boiling seas recede--
Regenerate my physiology!

Until the searing swords wax dull,
Sedate my body and my soul!

© 2002

   Sometimes it makes me sad,
   when my moms head hurts real bad,
And all that she's been through,
I still say I love you,
to her.
And she is so nice,
that she's made of sugar and spice,
and I won't be mad, if she's hurting so
bad.
     And I hope someday,
her migraines will go away,
because I pray and pray,
that it would go away,
someday.
       I hope they will find a cure,
about it, I am really sure.

© 2002