How do you measure pain?, by Laura Alaniz

How do you measure pain?

All is relative and personal

Even with one’s own self

It is impossible to compare

As memory distorts pain

Different nerves screaming

To communicate to the brain

(2014)

#SickPoems

La presión atrapada Busca por donde salir Tapo mi boca Se me sale por los ojos Tapo mis ojos

What if one day I wasn’t there for you? And you were left needing me If I wasn’t there When you woke up

Would I rather be A younger me? More productive Stronger Would i have to give up

Traffic Irritation becomes a nightmare As the lines start to squiggle Bending in and out And the world starts its attack

I cannot divide My heart Into four pieces Equally Geometrically

I am a consumer Female Twenties I buy Cheap clothes and lattes

Algunos me gusta compartir Calientitos Justo cuando salgan del horno Que no se enfríe Por eso lo escribí

Steamroller Of life Passed by Feeling down Squished

It’s not pretty When I cry People get almost as embarrassed as I

Most women are cooks But a man who cooks Is a chef She cooks over and over To feed the masses

A family trait Massage Is our vice No shame Take what

Look in the mirror What is it you see? Hazel eyes above your Favorite black dress Looks clean and fresh

Dime ¿Qué es su lengua materna? Ni inglés Ni español Sus padres no hablan inglés

Mis manchas de Bambi Manchas blancas Cubren mi cuerpo La gente se queda mirando Pero no les da asco

I don’t expect Diabetes education For the public But chances are You know one