Desire for relief becomes a bane
to the health beyond the pain
when the angst has assumed
proportions past the natal wound

the remedy has long ceased
even as disaster builds
as byproducts are ignored
against the numbing of the balm

clearly sought to assuage
anguish found beyond the base
if only life was more than strife
self-medication would be denied

the impostor has been seen
still this path is pursued
gladly ****** with due shame
as false relief fills a frame

the curative has been bypassed
by transgressions to the flesh
embarked upon to find relief
from the ills beyond the pain.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190727.