The Texture Of Pain Through Poetry

"Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow."

~A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

When Yellow Tundra Meets the Sky© Courtesy Celeste’s Photography

Those of us who live with chronic pain and illness understand respecting our limitations. But, there are many ways to be energetic, despite having a low physical battery. We can:

·        Be mindful.

·        Be compassionate.

·        Be grateful.

·        And, we can ALL write poetry!

Poetry has become a conduit to my most intimate inner feelings. I think that’s because I have learned to face the relevance of both anguish and joy, the reality that those of us living with chronic pain and illness know. Whether writing or reading poetry, I find there is a positive role for intervention, resolution, and learning to let go, which allows me to explore the diversion of creativity. So much is waiting to be explored.

When I prepare to write, I am energized by favorite words that tempt me with their sweet nectar. I have a favorite word list in my journal, which includes famous quotes that inspire me. I find the rich texture of expression that is born from the words I choose.

I try to share at least one of my poems in April to raise awareness for poetry. The following started as an “I Am” poem.

Dear Pain, Much to Your Chagrin© by Celeste Cooper

Don’t cloud my wits—attack, bother, or nag.

You know you have nothing positive to add.

You fractured the ability to create a red flag.

Dare not threaten my spirit or make me weak,

A tender, tired body deserves not your grief,

This survivor will not stop searching relief.

Mindful of judgments you pose in my ear,

My spirit remains positive in the absence of fear.

Affirmations are the armor that protects what is dear.

So, as constant and unyielding as you try to be,

I continue to bear arms to make you retreat.

Pain, you may have my body, but you don’t have me!

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...Poetry has been described as the conduit to our soul. It provides us the emotional and spiritual energy to hurtle over life’s obstacles. It heightens our senses of sight, sound, touch, and smell, and it can be delicious. It offers a feel, a texture, to all we experience and work through in our mind, because it knows no time, no era, nor limits. We can express self and circumstances through the written word…

Pick up your favorite book, a thesaurus from the dollar store, a magazine, whatever, and make a list of some of your favorite words. ...Begin your journey of inner expression—start writing ...

[Excerpt, Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain, SPRING DEVOTIONS https://www.amazon.com/dp/0615958664/ ]

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All our books have tips for writing for self-exploration. Poetry is one of those.

Additional Reading:

Creating an I Am Poem

Balancing Pain and Illness Through Poetry

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

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