^{Anguish by Kirsti A. Dyer It begins as an affliction
in the center of my soul.
A scarcely detectable awareness.
A hungry gnawing sensation.}

^{The feeling emerges
slowly at first.
Barely perceptible.
A constant ache.}

^{It begins to permeate,
radiating to all levels
from core to periphery.
Filling with agony and grief.}

^{My hands begin to tremble
in reaction to the pain.
I scream in anguish
for it to stop.}

^{It spreads, enlarging
becoming all-consuming, ravaging.
Distilled to a searing, burning sensation.
Bowels turning...tearing.
Heart pounding...shattering.}

^{The break point is reached,
I can endure no more.
Tears of anguish flow.
Sobs of grief,
Releasing some of the torment.}

^{The pain subsides,
but still lingers.
Barely perceptible.
Never abating.
Never leaving.
Ever present.}