Believe what you see
when they say that you won't believe your eyes.
A second chance to live, an early turn to die.
Say 'hi'. Look your best.
Say 'thank you', 'pardon me'.
Bend down, grit your teeth.
Steady, hands on knees.
Feel it? Do you feel it?
That's the way it always feels.
Stand up and die trying, fainting, digging in dead heels.

Wounded like a friend of mine, who eases pain by killing time. Not letting it kill him.