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Ode to Chronic Pain

I curse your name and spit as you supply
these diverse proofs that I am not divine—
and yet I should embrace you for the same,
so keep me still and resting, Faithful Pain.

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The Millennial Heel

A demigod of Clark-Kent strength
sits at a desk from day to day
to gently blow on chicken feathers,
then take his check and shrink away.

His strength could save the town, but doesn’t
because a stronger force supplies
the Kryptonite—the tendon cutting—
unanswered whispers asking, Why?

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Dan Davis lives in Southeast Michigan working as a financial professional.

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9 Responses

  1. Roy Eugene Peterson

    As a retiree, I feel your pain, as I do in both shoulders, and empathize. I am still puzzling over a job of blowing on chicken feathers. It does seem par for the course for millennials. Both poems are nicely done and call creative attention to diverse situations.

    Reply
    • Dan Davis

      Indeed, it is just as puzzling to read about such a job as it is vexing to be given the task! Glad you enjoyed 🙂

      Reply
  2. Margaret Coats

    “Ode to Chronic Pain” may be the shortest ode I’ve seen, but it’s admirably clear and comprehensible. Shows why the subject deserves an ode, which is the essence of what a good ode does.

    “The Millennial Heel” works in a more roundabout way, as millennials (at least in your vision) themselves do. They’re wounded in potential, which is a sad and bitter thing. Describing it in terms of the lost possibilities emphasizes the frustration of persons who seem unable to make anything of a situation that could be rewarding for many years to come. Such a poignant yet inescapable contrast of Superman and the man at the desk!

    Reply
    • Dan Davis

      Thank you for the kind words! For the “Ode”, I think there was some reluctance in it, like saying more is beyond what anyone could say sincerely. But none the less, at least one thing they’re to be praised.

      Reply
  3. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    I just love “The Millennial Heel” (clever play on Achilles’ Heel) for the enormity of a powerful message captured gloriously in its brevity. I like the excellent use of imagery which captures the routine and the remarkable. The vision of pointlessly blowing on chicken feathers when one possesses the superpowers of hero is superb. To me, this poem touches the heart with its vivid portrayal of wasted potential – a sad indictment of today’s world. Dan, thank you!

    Reply
    • Dan Davis

      So glad you enjoyed it! The absurdity isn’t for every reader, but it speaks volumes on the topic.

      One challenge I would give though: was Achilles or Superman’s potential wasted, or hamstrung? Is there a difference? Just some food for thought!

      Reply
      • Susan Jarvis Bryant

        Dan, what an excellent question – one I’m grateful for. I am now abandoning the weak and woeful word “wasted” for the more optimistic “hamstrung” – both are tough but at least with “hamstrung” comes hope… and it puts the blame where it belongs – quite firmly.

  4. C.B. Anderson

    Weird, but somehow good, is how I would put it. We’ll take some more, if you please, Dan.

    Reply
  5. Dan Davis

    Thank you for the encouragement and the invitation 🙂

    If weird it must be, the right amount at the right time can make anything work. I hope to keep the balance!

    Reply

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