pain

is kind of like water. you can't really control where it goes without touching it. it doesn't have a definite shape or appearance. it changes in density and in color and in depth. it's not fragile or strong, but it is persistent and pervasive. you can't change it unless you change everything around it. it affects everything it touches, and many things rely on it. many things avoid it. many things don't do well in or near it. many things search it out. many things would not be if it were not. it's not always expected, but you can hear it coming from a mile away. it can save and kill. it is not animate. we're drawn to it.