Bitter pain.

Should be asleep.
Left lower quadrant.
Sirens nearing in.
Stabbing. Stabbing. Burning.
Make it stop.

Neighbors take the kids.
Family close by.
Paramedics asking questions.
Pressing. Pressing. Rocking.
Make it stop.

Fentanyl.
Bright lights of the ER.
Others need help, too.
Muscles tense. Now emesis.
Someone. Make it stop.

Mild relief.

Blood and urine.
Ultrasound.
CAT scan.
Pinpoint. Spreading. Spreading.
Make it stop.

Hours after hours.
Waves upon waves.
From 4 to 6 to 9 out of 10.
Writhing legs. Knees pulled up.
Make. It. Stop.

Open door.
Reassuring voice.
Morphine. Ketorolac.
Thank you, Nurse. Thank you.
Thank you for making it stop.

Sweet relief.

Reflections on impassable kidney stone pain. And relief.