Leaving the Pain Behind (Poetry)

Who understands the point of pain? —
It is a cruel thing
To witness so much dreadful hurt
And hopeless suffering.
When nothing helps, or brings relief
It’s human to protest
And rail against whichever god
inflicts such deep distress.

What purpose can this torment serve?
What reason can there be
To torture any living soul
So unremittingly?
Our anguish doubled when we share
Pure misery and fear
Of those who truly don’t deserve
A trial that’s so severe.

What soul stays brave when faced with death —
With faith enough to bear
Such random punishment’s extent
Proves life to be unfair
When desperate prayers have no effect
What’s left for Hope to hold?
Despair becomes the darkest pit
The careless world feels cold.

And yet, that moment when the soul
Escapes its earthly home —
Released from flesh, the spirit flies
Invisible — alone.
The ruined shell at last at peace —
relaxed, that careworn face —
the scars of suffering forgot —
all signs of pain erased.