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.

Previous
Previous

Rebellion

Next
Next

Why I had to be a political activist