Ulcerative Colitis

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Cindi Rockwell.

I suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, an incurable autoimmune disorder that causes great pain, inflammation throughout the body, fatigue, urgent bowel evacuation that makes it almost impossible to socialize when in flare. It is an "invisible" disease, and thus people can be rude, tell you that you don't look sick, and doubt you when you have to cancel plans at the last minute. It has drastically changed my life. I share this because there is not enough awareness about this disease, in the hope that this will promote understanding.

I was a bird in a flock, flying high, enjoying the views, blending seamlessly into the wave of feathered freedom that I called family and friends. Without warning, a bullet passed through my wing, grounding me, separating me, and making me ashamed that, though I still looked like a bird, I could no longer soar at will. The other birds circled 'round when at first I tumbled from the sky, but the bullet had passed through, and none could see and therefore understand the pain and damage left behind. So they did what they do best: flew away. And I was left alone, walking the same small path, seeing the fatiguingly familiar sights, trapped in a cage without bars. I know I will never soar again in this world, which is why I have hope and faith that flies beyond the clouds.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Kieran Pavlick

Date: 1/12/2016 11:09:00 PM

One of the "Handicaps," that unseen, mark the observer. They speak out of ignorance, sending a bullet of criticism. Then "Chow Down," while those afflicted with UC fear even a bowl of rice, for sustenance. Good Poem. My son (age 46 ) suffers from it.