'Affirming My Strength'

by Jennifer Santiago.

My reflection in the mirror

Paleness and fatigue is all I see

I look but don’t recognize

My body has betrayed me.

You say you can’t cure me ‘It’s chronic not deadly.’

Blue pills, yellow pills, too many pills

These strangers are trying to break me

Hospitals and needles; can you inject me with faith?

The physical pain I can take

It’s the helplessness that kills me

I keep pushing, keep breathing

Please give me my space.

I focus on strength, not fear

Watch me endure, no more fighting back tears

Finally I’m in a place where no one can touch me

I’ve found acceptance and THIS is what saves me.

(C) Jennifer Santiago (as part of andycarrington.co.uk, 2009).