the paralysis
strikes deep
pain centers register
off the Richter scale
its impossible to sleep
mind numbing anguish
washes over bloodshot eyes
as the sledge hammering
from HELL
returns with violent spasms
which rock the core
of awareness
ratcheting ever higher
welcoming
whatever price addiction brings
as if temporary wings will give
some solace to lift our tortured souls
to a momentary oasis of restful peace
as opposed to the raging nightmare
hovering over the gaping chasm of terror
frozen with
exponentially ramping fright
as a cat chasing a fleeing bird,
captured midflight
C2