December 2024
Bio Note: I am known, in particular, for my writings (poetry and memoir) on three topics: spousal chronic illness, late pregnancy loss, and math. I am the author of 35 books; my newest poetry collection is A Lady of 80 (Alien Buddha Press) and forthcoming is Statements and Theories (Adaptive Press). I have taught a course I developed, "Mathematics in Literature", at Drexel University’s Honors College. Other poetic inspirations are classical piano, singing, Scrabble, thrift-shopping, four grown children, two grown step-children, and six grands.
Two Pains at the Same Time
I was once a body with two pains.
It felt like I was two bodies.
I felt like I was two people.
I was every bit of a split personality.
When one pain let up, I was a different being from when the other let up.
And I couldn’t remember which had happened first.
I was in two separate lives.
But sometimes the twain met.
And then I tried to sort it all out.
If I had to talk with a doctor
describe the progression of my symptoms
I’m not sure I could.
Author's Note: Written during the first weeks of pneumonia, August 2024
©2024 Marion Deutsche Cohen
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