Once bit, twice shy

Twice-stung reluctantly dry

They say pain is a good motivator

But what about phantom pains?

The fear of aggravating injury

Or repeating the same mistake

The past hurt precursor to more hurts

Pain, pain go away

Come again never. Stay away!

Who’s to say what the future holds?

What right do we have to be so bold?

Once bit, twice shy

Twice-stung, I’m staying dry.