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The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.
The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.
It feels like it took a lifetime to find you… this body of mine. All her shapes, curves, and ombre moods of brown.
I was sort of lost without understanding how powerful you are, so I’ve fought hard for you to stay.
It was such a crazy time in January 2023 when I really fell in love with you- This body of mine. Holding me ever so closely and growing life so delicate that both heaven and earth now meet in my womb. All of your beauty and strength. All your sadness and Survivorship from trauma, all your curiosity and naivete- I adore you. All that is meant to be resides inside this body, and so does… SHE-
Cancer.
It was May 2023 when I thought I’d lose you, this body of mine- With a new phase of life and changing identities, I still loved you. I prayed for the love I felt for you to expand, and God gave more. Though at times it hurt, I loved you still and now…I don’t want to let you go.
I know I can’t keep you, because of time and so many reasons, but for what it’s worth- This season has changed my life and I’m so grateful for our time together.
No words can explain….permanent scars tattooed on my body and my brain,
memories of what is, and what was
My reality
Seems to be at war with the fairy tale I had hoped for
So maybe this is all a dream
Hard to fathom
But I know God’s got me….
She- Cancer changed me, and these scars, they don’t maim me-
Instead they named me-
Warrior, survivor, thriver, more alive than EVER before and oh how I now truly adore you.
H.E.R, and SHE and me and these scars.
They are nestled around my new breasts- with the slightly changed texture…these scars bear the look of healing, wholeness and life, again!
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OMG I’m sobbing! This is so beautiful. So powerful! Thank you Arlene Brown for sharing this with the world, and thank you Elephants and Tea for bringing it to this community- to be inspired, reminded, and empowered by Arlene’s words.
Thanks so much, Jade. I poured so much into this poem. I appreciate you seeing me through my words.