Uninvited.

Like a surprise and most unwelcome guest.

Whether it’s the first hard day in awhile

or the next in a long, ongoing flare.

Feels like acid rushing through veins.

Joints burn.

Limbs are so heavy.

Showers are painful.

Mental calculus for every movement.

How long can the bathroom wait?

Sounds hurt.

Ears ring.

Can’t focus.

Can’t even see, sometimes.

Can’t sleep.

Medication doesn’t help.

Neither does meditation

or any of the well-worn remedies.

Click through media

looking for a brain distraction.

There is no escape.

Overwhelmed.

Scared.

Guilty, as she cancels plans.

Again.

How long until she “feels better”?

What is “better”, anyway?

Is this her new normal?

Remembers

she is not alone.

Chooses

to love herself

through as many tomorrows as it takes.