July 16th, 2002 - 2:24 p.m.

A description of the symptoms.

As if an ivory hued, porous ceramic plate has been installed in between the frontal lobe and the skull. Pressure applied at the temples, and the longitudinal fissure. A solid discomfort.

A consistently parched throat. Irritation applied on the inner palate, and behind the tonsils, seemingly by way of small mucous coated fingers, tipped with velcro barbs. A nauseating sickness.

The muscles connecting the shoulders to the neck have been pulled taunt. Wound tighter than a music box about to break due to overzealous fingers grasping the winding key. An immobile state.

Behind each of the calves, hot embers of coal rest. Crackling. Nibbling away at the bone. A heated torment.

A cluster of insects with pointed feet and delicate pincers have nested in the lower back. Between the spine and the pelvic bone. And are busily making themselves much too comfortable. An undulating pain.

N.

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