Notes About The Poem

My Crisis Years Ago

This happened to me twenty-two years ago.  I thank God I am still alive.

I feel the ripple in my life's cycle,
impending risk that could rape my soul.
I look in the mirror, but no tears flow.
A virus cramps my shallow feelings,
an ominous glare that obscures.
 
The pungent smell of disinfectant
the impersonal looks of nursing aides,
the indifference of certain medics,
the fearful looks of other patients,
the smell of living death.
 
The surgeon comes, 
examines,
prods, 
feels 
listens.
Like an auctioneer's hammer,
going, going, gone.
The verdict is announced,
a triple by-pass,
serious but operable. 
"Don't worry, man!"
 
I look up at the wall 
that surrounds my cell,
and see Him hung 
on old worn wood.
Is it so difficult, Lord, to die?
Am I on my own in here? 
Will I survive?
 
A tear trickles slowly down my cheek,
but now my inner self is lit.
I wake up from my stupor.
 
Life is a pattern, 
mapped 'til our death,
but no man walks alone. 
I smile,
I receive faith.  
A glow illuminates my soul.
Tomorrow I may be dead, 
but I am sure, Sweet Jesus, 
I will survive, for meekly
I accept Your will.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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12
Edmonds  Avatar
February 9, 2022 at 2:25 PM
You have done extremely well Victor, the poem tells all the difficulties you went through… Belle
Kiser Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 4:52 PM
Very intensely penned; we're glad you're still with us, Victor.
Messina Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 11:25 AM
Wow, so glad you survived, Victor. Knock on wood (my head-lol), I haven't been as unfortunate YET. Can only imagine what goes through one's mind. You explained it well my friend, Thanks for sharing
Daniel Avatar
January 26, 2022 at 6:16 AM
Am glad you are here to write about this, Victor, God in His grace has led you till now, and He will lead you still:)
Kitchin Avatar
January 25, 2022 at 3:48 PM
Victor, a powerful poem, brought back memories when my Dad was in the hospital, glad you survived that day! hugs
Dietrich Avatar
January 25, 2022 at 10:28 AM
This is wonderful, Victor. So inspiring. Is it the Bio poem you mentioned for me to read?
Lawrence Avatar
January 25, 2022 at 6:27 AM
Just beautiful Victor …. Heart tugging , frightening, vulnerable and so very real . Thank you for sharing your journey through this uncertainty. You have capsized this moment in time so poignantly and with so much soul . I am glad you are well . Powerful writing . Blessings, Susan :)
Skelly Avatar
January 25, 2022 at 3:42 AM
An atmosphere of uncertainty and fear that we can all understand, and then the knowledgement of faith that calms all fear...Nicely done Victor...Delice
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 11:59 PM
I was very moved by your story Victor. When something like this happens you think about getting your affairs in order should things go south. I am happy you made it through and that your faith was of such blessed support. I can relate though my situation was not nearly as serious just getting a pacemaker put in but l still called out in faith for assurance. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Blessings xxoo
Horsman Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 8:45 PM
Wow, Victor can relate here, my first heart attack 2001 remember the 60 watt globe on the ceiling looking down on me, as all the emotions you write here came flooding out. Your poetry sheds so much light on a facet of life some sadly go through. This excellent poem To my Fav.
Calasibetta Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 1:40 PM
Glad your verdict was Life! Yes, you still had work to do, writing poetry to share! Blessings,Paulette
Cholt Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 1:04 PM
A deep and painful experience that found comfort and hope in faith. Reading this poem imparts a sense of encouragement and strength to others who may be facing very difficult situations in their lives.
Buehler Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 11:46 AM
I'm so glad that you came through your medical crisis okay, Victor. Your poem is an inspiring reminder that faith in Jesus can get us through anything, and that it's through Him that we live. Best of wishes, Evelyn
Roper Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 11:24 AM
Rap my soul, a good phrase. Roper went through a six way-pass. Any bypass s a lot for any man or woman. He was in denial , so the day it happen I had to beg him to go in. Even when we went in the nurse at the front desk look like it was a phrase . He wanted to go home. A senior nurse came out and saw the signs. Rushed him in . He had had a heartattack. Felt no pain, just tired then passed out.
Andresen Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 11:09 AM
- Fear is our most dominant emotion ... but it is painful and frightening ... glad you are here, my friend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Hankins Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 9:52 AM
Marvelous description of your anxiety as you faced a difficult situation, Victor. So glad you survived; so glad you are here!
Seeker Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 7:25 AM
Once we overcome fear of death, then what lesser fears can remain?
Poet Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 6:34 AM
It was a terrifying experience. Victor, Through your words, I could sense your anguish and sorrow. The poem is beautiful, and I can imagine how you were filled with dread and loneliness but thank God he was on your side.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 6:32 AM
When faced with something that could kill us, we indeed look in the mirror. My Dad had a triple-bypass too. Thank God they caught! It was the question they didn’t ask but one my Dad supplied an answer to that had the doctor rubbing his chin and saying, “Now that concerns me.” Hugs-a-million! Glad you are here and I have gotten to know you a bit, my friend!
Pandit Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 6:16 AM
You bring forth the emergency settings as if it is happening in front of us. All too real because it is so for us all who have experienced or been touched by an event just the way you describe in your wonderful signature style. Excellent emotive rendering, Victor.
Cunningham Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 5:49 AM
A scary experience Victor, thank God you got through it OK. Tom
Rose  Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 4:23 AM
You will do more then survive, when you go to the other side, there will be your beautiful Lily holding an armload of your beautiful poems, and her smile will be so bright it will break the sun in tiny bits and it will be your morning orange juice, lol, I believe in the afterlife dear friend, can you tell !
Kannan Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 4:03 AM
Scary... Could feel your pain and pain through your words... wonderfully penned...
George Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 3:30 AM
Did you really undergo a bypass surgery? We pass through certain critical situations at times. It is not the fate of one single person, but invariably such moments come in everyone's life. But through Faith in God we can overcome all such crises. Great write Victor! Trust in Him....
Ball Avatar
January 24, 2022 at 3:14 AM
The Apostle Paul said: "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." These are powerful words spoken by Paul choosing to live for Christ's glory. I know on the surface it doesn't make much sense but that's because you have to look beneath the surface. Those who die in Christ Jesus gain eternal life. Life without suffering. We all fear the unknown but Christ is there to hold your hand. A fine write my friend. Quite a scary time for you. God Bless, JB
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