Note: This describes what it’s like when I get inflammatory lumps on my body, especially around my chest area. They pop up without warning, and subside anywhere from within a night to weeks. They sometimes hurt bad enough that I need painkillers just to breathe normally. This is also my first attempt at writing a poem again after a decade. Super rusty but warming up for some new ideas! 😉
Breathing
Oxygen rushes to fill the cavities where it hurts.
Breathing
In
Sips.
Guided by instinct,
When blood demands for more
Desperation drinks it all in.
Not too deep
Not too wide
Funnelled to broken lungs through a spiky pipe.
Breathing
Pumping air to swollen lumps.
Throbbing
Throbbing
Throbbing pain.
Breathing
Just being
Is enough for today.
Beautiful calligraphy by a friend, using one of my quotes 🙂
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As someone with a chronic lung disease I (literally) feel your pain and so greatly appreciate you putting your pain and gratitude for the little/big thing that breathing easily is into words.
Hi Sarah,
I’m sorry to hear that you feel such pain so literally 🙁 I wish you many more easy breathing days, and sending you hugs this Christmas x
Thank you so much for participating in our first link up party at The Unbroken Smile. Unfortunately I know so many that can relate to this, thanks for sharing! ((Gentle Hugs))
– Elizabeth
A pleasure, thank you for having me!
Such a beautiful yet heartbreaking poem, with speaks so much of your strength and endurance. Thank you so much for sharing, it really helps to know I’m not alone in dealing with the reality and unpredictability of chronic illness and pain. Best wishes x
Thank you for your kind words, Natalie! Yes we are never alone…lots of us (spread out over the world but connected on the www!) know exactly what it is you’re experiencing, too.
We have similar fears, anxieties and hopes.
Take care and hope you have a nice little stable day! 😉