Lab Work

Avoided medical professionals for the last five years
now it's something with the back, the hips,
making it tough to walk, sleep, bend or lift a leg
sometimes

But it makes you realize you lived a long time
mostly free from any real pain except
for the kind you make for your self
in your head

This morning they took a little blood
your skin seemed to try to hold the needle
someone will call if the results are concerning
while outside, the cold wind just continued

Somewhere else, someone I know is locked away
younger, brighter, enthusiastic until now
attacked, too young, by unfathomable forces
and asking me how to get out