Breast of roses where her femininity used to be.
A scent of blossoms milled out by mastectomy.
The clippings praise and curse at the same time.
Her petals falling, weeping, assaulted, past prime.
Not fair…not the way she wanted to lose weight.
She ambles, learning to walk with this offsetting gait.
They were ample, with a perfect curvature, round.
She used to complain…now her buddies can’t be found.
With this primeval bouquet she’s not lost her life.
She’s more alive then ever after she’s been under the knife.
She’s a different scent, more vibrant with the love of her life.
He’s learned that what he would truly miss is his wife.
10/19/2022
Categories:
mastectomy, cancer,
Form: Rhyme
Sue had been so proud of her curvaceous figure and considered her pert breasts were her outstanding feature. Sadly, breast cancer runs in her family and now she too had fallen victim to this cruel disease.
both breasts are removed
mastectomy surgery
hot tears start to fall
Chemotherapy sessions take its toll on her entire body, with constant sickness she feels so exhausted. Her weight plummets and her clothes hang from her frail frame.
her crowning glory
lost with each stroke of the brush …
golden tresses fall
Twelve months later Sue receives the news she had been dreaming of … she is finally in remission. Reconstruction surgery has been scheduled and soon she hopes to look and feel like a woman again. Her weight is back to normal and glamourous wigs cover her wispy hair.
in sickness and health
their marriage vows hit home hard
husband at her side
Let The Pens Flow - Haibun Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Jenish Somadas
08/15/20
Categories:
mastectomy, body, cancer,
Form: Haibun
Susan was a cancer survivor
After her mastectomy
She went thru her blue period
But I didn’t know her then
When I met her she glowed
Exuberant and beautiful
Celebrating the gift of life
Dancing to share her joy
Her story and her poetry
Her day of enlightenment
Had happened in a city park
The trees seemed to smile
And reach out to her
She noticed their scars
Their missing and broken limbs
Yet that didn’t prevent them
From standing tall and proud
To claim their place in the sun
I think of Susan when I’m blue
And remember
How beautiful she was
With her flamboyant smile
Just thinking of her
Gives me strength
posted on January 24, 2020
Categories:
mastectomy, beautiful, depression, health, inspiration,
Form: Free verse
Ophelia had cancerous breasts
According to all of the tests
But old Doctor Kaiser
Was simply a miser
Who plundered the most treasured chests
Categories:
mastectomy, betrayal, happiness, health, image,
Form: Limerick
The Kiss
Breasts
Symbol of nurture,
womanhood
Mens obsession
Natures gift turned to curse
Mastectomy,
Your identity confused
A great loss,
You choose life
Taking no chances
You stare at yourself in the mirror
Feeling your loss
Crying
Grieving
But you are still here
Thankful
Your fight has ended
Still the battle wounds
Are engraved on your body
Carved into your spirit
As you husband walks into the room
Ashamed you cover yourself
He gently pulls your arms aside
Slowly kisses your scar
He looks lovingly at your body
then he gazes into your eyes
In a soft whisper, he says
"Darling, you have never been more beautiful."
Categories:
mastectomy, body, dedication,
Form: Free verse
Come on you old devil, take your best shot!
You're kidding! That's it? Is that all you got?
I know where I'M goin', He's saved me a spot
I'll warn you once more in case you forgot
You're messing with one of God's children
I'm CHOSEN, you see and that is my role
You WILL NOT BEAT ME if that is your goal!
You may hurt my body but can't touch my soul
Go back and gnaw in your fiery red hole!
You're messing with one of God's children
I'm STRONG from the trials that I have been through
The fears and the tears and paying what's due
I've felt His wrath and His grace and love too
I've seen much tougher than the likes of you
You're messing with one of God's children
Go bug someone else you think you might scare!
Someday I'll sit back in my rocking chair
With those who I love, laughing at despair
If not that's okay, I'm in my Lord's care
You're messing with one of God's children
*Written in 2008 for my daughter just before her mastectomy which eventually turned into a double. Still with us to this day!!
Categories:
mastectomy, cancer, daughter, faith,
Form: Rhyme