Pain reduction
My dearest friend
I see your pain
Digging deep into that pit
Of despair you cannot escape
Words offer little comfort
To a heart that is raging
These are not just words
They are recognition
We are never far apart
When love is held
So hold on tight
Take your time
You may be battered
But you are not broken
And if you must bury yourself
Bury yourself in this friendship
That comes from me to you
Because I see you
Standing stronger than the storm
Leaving the past behind
-Camille Delaquise
This poem appears in RISE, Camille’s second contemporary poetry collection. Pain reduction reflects on friendship as a form of steadfast witness — suggesting that while pain cannot always be solved by language alone, love, recognition and patient solidarity can help carry a person back towards strength.
This poem is available as a contemporary poetry print on textured recycled card.