Pain.
Sometimes pain
comes unexpected
an unwelcome guest
at a dinner party
that you didn’t know
you were throwing.
Other times
it comes
by engraved invitation
the slice of a thin blade
across smooth skin
the smack of a hand
on a bare ass
the sudden sting of hot water
scalding exposed flesh
triggering a deluge of endorphins
to drown the numbness.
Sensual sanctuary
of the sadist and masochist.
Perpetual purgatory
of the weary and wounded.
Either way
it will wake you up
and hold you down
and leave you
writhing in
pain.