Back from the Light

Out in the limelight

pain thumped its leaden booted dance

putting thought in the shade -

it was a matter of time

a virtuoso performance will not be

sustained indefinitely 

even so, its decline was unexpected 

a stumble into the backdrop

up close to the painted scenery

rough brushstrokes, sticking plasters,

the smell of turps, show the lie

meanwhile, release slides sweetly along nerve-endings

easy to slip into the tunnel

toward the light -

bright, white, tight

gentle as exhalation

in the background 

pain plays an unsteady beat

a tom-tom warning

not to go.