The Bruise Show Up Later

The Bruises Show up Later
AK January 2009

The pain shoots deep.
Every nerve throbs.
I say I’m fine,
Get back on my feet.
No one thinks
To question.
No reason to doubt.
The dull ache replaces a pain that is greater.
For now I go on;
The bruises show up later.

Intensity quick,
And then forgotten.
The memory of pain
Disregarded, unwanted.
Yet just when that subtle soreness
Begins to fade.
Just before the flesh
Begins to shade.
Just as you find yourself
Standing straighter...
You’re reminded again;
Because the bruises show up later.

As if one time wasn’t tough.
As if the first blow wasn’t enough.
As if the punch didn’t run so deep.
As if the cause didn’t make me weep.
But the initial mark fades to a fleshy tone...
Not to be seen,
Not to be shown.
Now it hurts again
Though no one can see,
Just below the surface
Are the black and blues of agony.
An occurrence not easily abandoned -
Cannot let go of the creation or the creator.
The sting now burning in memory.
The bruises show up later.