The “rough” free-form poem was written in January 2025. It examines sudden shifts in mental states—shifts that specifically occur in individuals like myself who suffer from chronic pain or illness. There are moments, days, weeks, and months that are great. But… no matter how much one tries, they can’t keep the darkness away. Darkness serves as a symbol of the physical symptoms experienced. Also as the toll it takes on one’s mental state as health issues escalate. Additional versions of the poem will be added later to show its evolution.

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The darkness coming again, like a second skin. 

It moved in slowly, like a soft breeze. 

An encircling aura, suffocating within.  

Unable to escape the emotional freeze. 

The meaninglessness and absurdity of existence, 

is it worth the pain, despite the persistence? 

Depression fueled self-doubt, part of lupus? 

Better yet, the best conclusion… because I’m useless.