The lump in my throat

Is an uninvited guest

To a pity party of one

It has gatecrashed an otherwise stoic existence

And brought along with it

Strings attached

To copious tears that stick to the brims

Of eyelids that

Work furiously

Pushing back

Holding fort

Like dams

Steadfast against an inevitable flood

Of gushing unrelenting pain

That stupid lump

That brings with it

A reality check

That I do not wish to have