MY ROOMMATE
by John T. Baker
I live with pain, a somber roommate who
is never from my side, who takes delight
in my anxiety and daily nags,
reminding me of my mortality.

Whenever I unwisely make great plans
or dare to dream of deeds I well might do,
my roommate soon takes charge and swiftly brings
me back to bitter cold reality.

While others play, inviting me to join,
my roommate bids me skip the revelry.
It does no good to think what might have been
or fret at fickle fate's finality.

To live with pain is not that big a deal
when once you really get the hang of it.