No Pain No Gain

Never did fully subscribe to this,
but when I think about it
I know it's true.

I, despite this knowledge,
choose to avoid pain.

On the other hand, sans loss,
gain is unseen, unconnected.

But, not unrelated to the stunning
psychologist who lives next door.

I see her through the window
sometimes, beautifully dressed
in all black underthings and
menacing spiked heels.

A cliché.

But the guy strapped to the wall
never seems to mind. I can only
guess what he thinks each time
the whip cuts across his buttocks.

No pain, no gain.