"a dagger of pain, a tear of grief" ~ Constance La France "A dagger of pain, a tear of grief" I stagger again in sheer disbelief A lifetime of ache, a twinge of hurt A prime heartbreak, I cringe in discomfort A sting of distress, a twist in fate I sing to suppress dismissed hope's dictate A lament of woe, a prick of stress This torment slow, a trick of love's caress A drop of sorrow, a pang of throes It'll stop tomorrow, this clang of shadows 16th May 2023 For Constance La France's "Writing challenge - A quotes" contest