Listen to poem:

I am a Force of Nature

I visit the bug zapper on Tuesday
much to the radiology teams delight

I named it thus before meeting it formally
my comedic self puts up this type of dust

If you make fun of it enough
it can't cause you pain
it only gets three passes in each refrain 

Less than a minute and half on my breast
that's about the time I heat up my coffee
and then that settles that... 

They put 3 microdot tats on me to line me up with lasers 
It started with sharpies then moved to pokes
as they stuck me to put on the dots as I cursed and joked

I sung them songs like kermit the frog
Which made them laugh like loons 

The manager that runs the room
admitted in a previous job he was a ghost hunter
This is going to get really fun! 
I have a date for EMF readings and a podcast!!

We nicknamed the tats Hello Kitty NFTs 
after all we have to be hip and forward thinking
But you can't collect till I have left the blue marble
one on my bow and one on my port and starboard

They have me breath through a tube 
and then hit a button to breath out
and then they send me through the machine

And I am not to move as they rotisserie me through the machine
so as not to radiate a rib or two or maybe my lung tissue too

It's all precise and in a very cold cool room
and the staff has me half naked from waist up

And If i wrote it in a book with just the steps
you would be sure it was fantasy bondage scene

So that event will be my daily dose 
for 5 days a week my penance

And I will bleed radiation at such a dose
I will get tired to the point of comatose
I will have a laptop along and my dog
an outlet and emotional support

I have not mentioned I am working on a startup
Its in AI SaaS of course And I am the COO as is my usual spot, building systems 
Second in command, the power behind the throne 
less in demand
but he who sits in the throne has named me his hand. 
I cheat though see, he is my new beau

In 3 seconds after meeting me he had to take me in tow
His investor meeting had fallen through and in minutes I filled his calendar
and with high quality meetings no less
A VC and 3 fellow entrepreneurs with connections
Poor guy didn't know what hit him. 
So yeah my plates kinda full
No sitting in a lull

Don't forget I still spin plates for my autistic son's days
and help run a chess instruction company's retail plays
and consult on side ventures in other ways logo creation yeah!
I am a Force of Nature  - Artimus (C)  Susan Manley 3/15/24 6:59
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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George Avatar
April 2, 2024 at 5:13 PM
You have so much strength in you and so much to live for and it has helped you through the journey and fight to live. I hope you get completely better, keep sharing your lovely poetry to the world. More strength on your son. Cheers Susan, it was a lovely piece.
Manley Avatar
April 5, 2024 at 1:05 AM
Thanks Tonya, it was nice to meet a new reader! I am completely on the mend. I am said to be cancer free. And its only 8 more days of radiation at this point in an attempt to make sure I stay that way. I chronicled all this on facebook for my friends since people don't talk much about cancer. And well I had no clue the hoops and horrors of cancer care were filled with. And yeah I have things to do. :D again, nice meeting you!
Dejesus Avatar
March 25, 2024 at 8:22 AM
A force no doubt! Wonder woman! With so much going on are there enough hours in a day for what is on your plate? A pro with time management indeed.
Rodgers Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 5:10 PM
Dear Susan, I love how your blend of humor and raw vulnerability in facing medical challenges is inspiring. Your resilience shines through as you navigate the daunting process with wit and grace. Your strength, coupled with your multifaceted roles as a caregiver, entrepreneur, and advocate, is truly admirable. I love how your ability to find humor and connection in the midst of adversity is a testament to your indomitable spirit. Keep shining bright, Susan. You are indeed a force of nature. - Blessings, Daniel
One Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 6:42 AM
Your poem is a testament to your resilience, humor, and ability to find light in the darkness. It offers a refreshing perspective on navigating life's challenges with grace and courage, reminding readers of the power of humor and human connection in overcoming adversity.. Nicely done..
Manley Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 8:17 AM
Thanks Silent One, I am hoping I made you smile.
Jones Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 12:24 AM
You are courageous! I did not know you are experiencing a health challenge. You feel free to write about whatever you want whether it is fun or not someone needs to read it! You are not alone! Hugs beautiful.
Manley Avatar
March 16, 2024 at 8:22 AM
Hey Karen, yeah, its why my writing has been sporadic. There I was waxing poetic love poems to my fiance while undergoing chemo and he passed suddenly. And then I got really sick and ended up hospitalized with a blood infection. Bounced back from that, underwent a lumpectomy and I am cancer free. Had my chemo port removed, met my new beau in person the next day! ( Valentines day actually). And then we had a correspondence romance, where he named me his "Hand" ( think Game of Thrones". I am still dealing with chemo brain though and recovering my energy levels. I joke I need naps like a toddler. - Susan
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