lying in wait
I had a fever
knocking me down
to my knees
calling me to rise
above a dark past
I had a fever
prohibiting deep sleep
forcing me to face
long nights
in restless rebellion
I had a fever
bringing to light
dedication required
to escape
interminable realities
I had a fever
nearly killing me
sublimely reintroducing
ancient energies
that lay in wait
december two thousand twenty-four
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved
jdubqca 
The fever is such a powerful metaphor, it’s both a burden and a catalyst, forcing you to confront the past and the struggles you’ve been carrying. I really love how you repeat “I had a fever,” each time adding a layer of depth, showing how this experience shifts from just illness to something that opens you up to greater strength and understanding. “reintroducing ancient energies,” feel like a reclaiming of power, almost like the fever has stripped you down to the essentials, and you come out of it stronger.
Nicely written!