Chronic pain is written for me;
morning stiffness, evening pangs,
uncooperative muscles.

The storyline is scripted by
doctors and researchers.

How the story plays out, however,
is my privilege as the lead actor
to put my personal spin on the lines.

I rise like the sun, slowly from
the horizon yet bright and welcoming.
Staging my day with work and fun, I
bask in sunshine and warmth.
And like the sun, I succumb to
darkness and fade into the horizon,
re-energizing for another day.