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.)
Very powerful poem and accompanying image.
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Thanks Liz.
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You’re welcome, V.J.
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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.
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Thanks Jazz. I need to remind myself from time to time that things can be (and were) worse.
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It always amazes me how the human spirit keeps going, for the most part, no matter what is heaped on it.
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I agree – most amazing.
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Loved it🤗
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Thank you!
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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.
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Thanks. The one thing we learn is how resilient the spirit is.
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Welcome. Yes, we can get used to about anything.
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