Survivor Instinct

Buried alive
by illness’ onset
only hope for escape
tunnel whose guilt-lined
walls oozed mucous
of neglect, sorrow
so raw, shredded
faith – no light
just a dull
pulse
screaming –
I am alive.

(Chronic illness is a game changer.  No amount of ambition can turn the tide.  One is left to face the onslaught of that which has been oppressed or skipped over.  I wrote this poem early in my journey with ME.  Amazingly, no matter what, spirit still clings to life.  Image from personal collection.)

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VJ

Permission to write, paint, and imagine are the gifts I gave myself when chronic illness hit - a fair exchange: being for doing. Relevance is an attitude. Humour essential.

12 thoughts on “Survivor Instinct”

  1. Really connect with this one. Chronic illness is so hard; it’s almost indescribable. But you did a good job, and the final line really hit the nail on the head, for lack of better words.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. So glad to know you as survivor … your open sharing of challenges and coping is a gift.
    “Buried alive by illness” … puts most concerns we grumble about to shame.

    Liked by 2 people

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