Arthritic Cycle

It begins, Constant gnawing, Jagged blades, grinding, Filing, at cartilage and bone. Joints inflamed by unseen fire. Fingers, no grip retained. Ankles and knees burning, Supporting a body, Teetering on fragile feet, swollen and restricted, A stilted gait of agony, limping in a parody of age, young yet bent. Pharmaceutical relief, brings searing curse, cramping stomach, Nausea. The toll to lift, agony’s gate Until. Pain returns