Storm

It started as the slightest niggle—
an annoyance easily ignored;
the lightest brushstrokes behind my eye,
almost a whisper really.

I knew better than to ignore,
but it really was so insignificant
in comparison to feeding the family,
folding the laundry
and running Mum's Taxi Service.

Shrugging off slight waves of pain,
I carried on, while acknowledging
that my fuse was shorter
and I was becoming withdrawn.

WIth time, the grey, pulsating fuzziness
demanded all of my attention.
Nauseated, I knew that this was the price
of trying to ignore.
My head locked in a vice
and eyes squeezed shut against the light,
I gave in to the inevitable.

The situation was reversible,
but would now take so much longer.
In fact, it cost me five pills,
four hours' fitful sleep,
half a day's productivity
and this week's Italian homework.

I should have paid attention!