Barbara Writes
Barbara Writes
Mar 30, 2015

The Back Scratcher

I can no longer scratch my back
My left wrist hurts like it's crazy
Running all way up my elbow
I can barely use my left arm.

While some with ease can twist their arms
I can no longer scratch my back
Like I'm used to since forever
Now my wrist hurts like it crazy.

Carpal tunnel has my right hand
The pain running way up my arm
I can no longer scratch my back
As easily as I used too.

If that is not enough for me
A nerve that's pinching my right neck
Has my arm swelling and hurting
I can no longer scratch my back.

About This Poem

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Region, Country: United States, USA

Favorite Poets: Billy Collins

More from this author

Comments

R

raj

10 years 1 month ago

I can see that you have liked the Quatern form as you have written quite a few poems in that pattern. What struck me is not only you are almost mastering this form but while doing so you use real time themes to express what you feel bodily as well as in the world around you...also using poetry as a therapy...everyone knows the discomfort and irritability if one cant scratch one's back..which you have expressed pretty well in this Quatern.....Keep a long handled comb handy perhaps that may help...

Regards,

S

Most folks only have one neck but you apparently have a right one and a left one or a right one and a wrong one lol. Your poem captures well one of the prices of being older. ............stan

mand

My husband would definitely relate to this poem because he has had carpel tunnel in the right hand ( been operated on ) and now he has it in the left. I like the way you have used your own experience in this poem - it makes it more potent somehow. Syllable count looks good! I'll leave any other critique to the experts! but it all seems good to me!

LOve to you

Mand xxx

L

I also relate to this fine piece of writing :-(
I have bi lateral Carpel Tunnel Syndrome :-(
But hey! It makes life interesting.
Now my knees are also joining in the fun!
Enough about me!!! Away I stumble........................

alidzain

I envy you for being able to master this form. Sadly, I'm still stumbling when I'm trying to write one. Now I learn new term for disease. Carpel tunnel,hmmmm, will find out more about it. Love the personl touch/experience in this one.. Thumbs up or this piece.

Alid

judyanne

I have trouble scratching my back even without carpel tunnel syndrome...

i have a fork I have placed aside to do the job...

a fun write - enjoyed
this faze for the quatern should make it easy for you in this month' s contest
- it' s a very similar style - the only difference being it is the last verse of every stanza that is repeated

go for it....
love judy
xxx