¿Why?

¿Why?
do I remember
with such
awful clarity
hurtful words?

¿Why?
does sadness
remain my
unbidden companion?

¿Why?
does anxiety
cloud my thoughts?

¿Why?
do anniversaries
bring despondency?

¿Why?
am I bone-weary
aching to the marrow
of my soul?

¿Why?
does despair
with its iron grip
cling persistently?

¿Why?

Tenacious, the Black Dog
worries its prey
gnawing hungrily
tearing through
mind and body.

Depression, the Black dog,
has me in thrall
gripping relentlessly.

JMG 07/03/05