pain

i know pain
he has lived in my gut, trapped
tried to escape
every hour, through violent heaves
dry and shrill
depositing oregano bile
i fought him then
i'd fight him again
pain is no enemy
he holds no power
he bullies hearts, stomachs
summons tears
but he is a coward
and i have seen him beaten
and i know his weaknesses
my lord holds the keys of death and hell
pain--a loud voice
temporary
what is pain to me?