Notes About The Poem

Written March 1 2026 for This or That Vol 37 contest sponsored by Edward Ibeh

Lupine

It’s in my blood like cranberries 
Wolf like illness attacking me 
I have lupus and it has me
Howling moon won’t cure disease

It can kill and maybe that’s kind
Rather than be ill in body or mind
Lame lupine plant on green vine
Where prey dances attacking spine

I try to sleep but it’s no use
No need for pity poetry will do
Reading red words flying me away
Like winged white bird on pastel page

The wolf is hungry and must eat
Flesh the summary of what is me
Once it is fed I shall be dead
But soul will rise up instead
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Guptar Avatar
March 22, 2026 at 9:46 AM
CVongratulations, Karen, on your win in this contest and also for braving your illness stoically with a positive mind. Glad that your look to poetry as a relief and a distraction. Wishing you good ealth and sending the blessings of light.
Jones Avatar
March 22, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Krishnanand thank you!
Ibeh Avatar
March 19, 2026 at 4:38 AM
Karen, this poem of yours resonated with me. I know someone with lupus. Thanks for sharing this. Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest.
Jones Avatar
March 19, 2026 at 5:11 AM
Thanks for my placement and for inspiration Edward. Have a great day!
Gasun Avatar
March 18, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Congratulations on your win my dear poet friend Karen! Thanks for sharing this superb write! Hugs and cheers! Soupmail for you
Jones Avatar
March 18, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Thanks Len!
Dietrich Avatar
March 7, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Wow you took lupine in a very different way from me. It's cool that you got the plant into it also. Very creative work, Karen
Jones Avatar
March 8, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Thanks Andrea!
Crandall Avatar
March 1, 2026 at 7:59 PM
I'm wishing you the best Karen - lupus sounds like a real challenge.
Jones Avatar
March 3, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Today I’m exhausted and not feeling well! Such is life with a chronic illness.
Jones Avatar
March 1, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Thanks! I’m blessed as I am in remission but at any time I can get ill. I just stay positive and keep going!
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