Angel of Healing

Every disease is a work of art
if you play it rightly. Of course, it hurts
like hell, but can be used
as a reminder that your mind
is not on its business, which is 'now',
however painful. Novalis knew
that all illness requires a musical cure.

By this he meant: whatever the form
imposed by arthritis, or by the gout,
your job's to compose yourself round about
its formal restrictions, and make that sing,
even to death. And all that pain?
Messengers from your beloved to say
'Wait for me, darling, I'm on my way!'