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!

_______________________________________________________________________________

...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

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others. 

Balancing Pain and Illness through Poetry

All Eyes to the Sun © Celeste’s Photography

"Poetry is writing about yourself waiting to see what will show up, the words are the finger points of your soul.”

~Sandford Lyne, author of Writing Poetry from the Inside Out

Maintaining forward momentum in the face of pain, fatigue, and unpredictable symptoms can be challenging. In our book Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain, SPRING DEVOTIONS, we talk about inner expression through poetry and how it can help us cope with pain and fatigue. All our books have tips for writing for self-exploration. Poetry is one of those.

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APRIL IS POETRY AWARENESS MONTH

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Poetry is often thought of as the conduit to our soul. For me, writing poetry heightens my senses and provides an alternative path that promotes mindfulness. The words I chose give my thoughts texture, making them palpable, at least to me. Writing poetry provides a beautiful detour, because unlike physical pain and illness, there are no boundaries, no limitations. We have unabashed freedom to explore and express ourselves using colors, shapes, and concepts we might not otherwise. 

I am in awe of the power of randomly chosen words and their ability to bring me peace. Whether I am working through a difficult situation or embracing the wonders of the world, I know when I'm done, I am connected to an inner being I only know through poetry.

I wrote a blog on how to write “I am” poem, which you can use as a template to write your own.

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CREATING AN "I Am" POEM

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I love it when the words fly, coming together effortlessly, but that isn't always the case — at times — I have to put my words aside or work from a different angle. But that's why I love to do it.

I wrote this poem staring with four random words: truth, bird, broken, observe. It went through several transformations before I felt a deep meaning for myself. Some of my poems don't make a word of sense to others, but they don't need to. They are mine, just as your will be yours.

This Is My Truth © by Celeste Cooper

Like a bird with a broken wing,

I can stray off course, my flight pattern disrupted.

Wounded from the fall, I will not judge, because

As a wise owl, I observe, I accept, I understand—

Before I take flight, I need time to mend, plan a new course.

This is my truth.

Imperfection as clear as a broken mirror,

Though broken, goals are transformed.

Seedlings forced into maturity will not thrive.

Accepting that mistakes are the seed, I cultivate.

The broken mirror affords a self-reflection of reality.

This is my truth.

I falter, sometimes wretchedly, but enlightened.

Sweet is the nectar of success—not synonymous to perfection.

Erupting from deep inside a reminder from Edison,

"I did not fail; I found 10,000 ways that won't work."

I accept my imperfections—only then—can I take flight.

This is my truth.

I hope you will pick up a pencil and a piece of paper. Write down some of your favorite words, you can find them in crossword puzzles, a good book, the dictionary, or make them up; that's the beauty of it. Let your mind float and your hands glide across the paper as the words guide you to a new place, a place hopefully free of pain and illness, but if you need to work that out, you can go there too by observing until it dissipates in the background. Just do it.

Additional Reading: Minimizing the Consequences of Pain and Illness by Exploring Your Creative Nature through Poetry by Celeste Cooper

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

“Listen closely; I hear the sweet sound of existence.”

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

A Spring Metaphor - Sculpting Our Thoughts on Pain

Though we have an idea of what to expect, spring unfolds differently. This year, we saw new records, and new challenges. In some places, spring came early and gave us a countryside bursting with color and new life, while other places are experiencing a late winter. This change and unpredictability is a metaphor for those of us who live with pain and chronic illness.

Our thought seedlings give life to our spirit and allow us to see challenges as motivators. But, some storms rock the earth beneath our feet. As a migraineur, spring storms throw me to the floor and knock the wind out of me. However, when I stand up again with my partner, challenge -- I will lead; I will rumba in a new direction and thank the spring storm for its nourishment to the earth and for providing me promise of new life. 

I find great strength, comfort, and diversion through poetry and photography, and I am thankful that I have found ways to fill up my thought spaces by writing for others who share this journey with me. The following photo and poem are excerpts from Spring Devotions in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain series.

               Day 4 – Learning to Rumba to Rumbles

To Rumba with the Universe

by Celeste Cooper

Twinkles of light rumba across the morning dew,

While butterflies dance in the wind.

Tumbleweeds glide across the earth's open fields,

Blown away in time to explore a new path.

Fear cleansed by rain exchanged for the joy of freshness,

The sky opens, the sun bumps against clouds.

Renewal of spirit, the earth in cadence with my wits,

All in rhythm, as if, I rumba with the universe.

Thought Seedlings

Do you rumba? Do you like the name I gave the photo? What would you name it?  

Take a stab at changing up my poem to make it yours. My poems are not perfect, I share them so my readers know they can also express feelings and touch a sense of self. 

"Imperfection is relatable." 

Lauren Conrad

Tell me what you think in your comments, because I love to hear how it speaks from your heart to mine. In healing, Celeste

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Learn more about what’s between the covers of Spring Devotions book edition here. http://www.celestecooper.com/spring-devotions.

Thank you to our readers for your kind thoughts and uplifting reviews of Spring Devotions in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain Series. Too all our new readers, welcome.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615958664/

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Halloween News: For the Love of Poetry by Celeste Cooper

Those of you who have read any of my books know I enjoy writing poetry. It is my refuge, I get lost in it, and I rediscover myself.

May the goblins be good to you.

Happy Halloween!

Ghosts at Taylor Reservoir© by Celeste Cooper

Driving the Winding Taylor Canyon Road,

Late August teases of tales to be told.

Giant pines grace roads through this land.

Forest shadows retreat, a reservoir at hand.

Man made, Taylor reservoir feeds the crops,

But once, so much more on this mountain top.

Peering voyeurs of past remnants and such,

This land, bare bones, a boom that went bust.

Tailings at Tin Cup scream loud with their voice.

Tarry you will, but this land was our choice.

Ancient gravesites, ghost tales of lore,

Make great stories when done with the chores.

Sheer splendor tugs at my heartstring,

Cottonwood Pass, the tales you bring.

Time walks on these forest floors,

Taylor River, canoes, Ute Indians explored.

Ancestors relished this county as host,

To share pieces of forest, relics, and ghosts.

Excerpt from Winter Devotions. Learn more here. 

Feel Free to use this poem as a template for writing your own. Following is an excerpt from one of our books that will help you get started.

“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.”

~Plato, 429–347 BC

Love in Poetry (Day Nine)

Excerpt from Fall Devotions Learn more here. 

Some poetry can only be interpreted by the author, others, by the reader with his or her own ideas on what the poem says. There is no need to think you can’t write your own poem. Here are a few tips. 

• It doesn’t have to rhyme.

• Pick some favorite words from the dictionary, a book on flowers or birds, or even the telephone directory.

• Add shapes, sounds, texture, color, or smells.

• Put your own spin on it, and let your mind run wild.

• Remember your poetry can be on a real or imaginary experience.

• Title your poem before or after you write it, because there are no boundaries.

• There is no specific length. It can be one sentence.

 And more…

A Call to Arms: Pain, Politics, and Witchery by Celeste Cooper

September is almost here, and with it comes thoughts of autumn. For some of us it means tree pollen, increased migraines, fantastic thunderstorms that are magnificent to behold, but is accompanied by barometric pressure changes that can wreak havoc. Soon we will experience weather that chills us to the bone. For those of us with arthritis we expect an upsurge in joint pain, and for others exposure will aggravate Raynaud’s symptoms, and more. But as with everything in life, the autumn season holds crisp clean smelling air, a respite from the oppression of the summer heat, and the promise of September, the month of in between.

Most exciting for advocates is that September is the month of Chronic Pain Awareness. In honor of this, I am choosing to share one of my poems. I want to give September an early kick off, like preseason football. During September, I will present a blog on the newest criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia and a three part series based on a guest column I am preparing for the Kansas City Nursing News, written with patients in mind.

So here is my poem. Feel free to share A Call to Arms: Pain, Politics, and Witchery, but please include my signature line and a link to this blog to avoid any copyright infringements.

A Call to Arms: Pain, Politics, and Witchery

One hundred million people with untreated pain,

Exploited by those for their own personal gain.

Political agendas, skewed reporting, all morally wrong.

Treatments denied, no peer review, but patients be strong.

Trust, communication, values the human approach,

Are executive healthcare decisions above reproach?

Media firestorms to make headlines cause harm;

Agendas void of human welfare is cause for alarm.

So ask, “Who gains most from their hidden agenda?”

Protection of innocent should be the addenda.

Pain has no schedule, yet patients endure blame,

Let’s demand transparency, hold the moth to the flame.

If you are reading this poem, it won’t strike you funny,

That all these and more are about pain for the money.

Beware; they ride their broom like a witch in the night.

Employ your integrity; show them all, how it’s done right.

We are raped of our dignity, oppressed by others.

There’s a moral imperative, hold accountable our brothers.

Things won’t transform in the blink of an eye,

But certain—nothing happens—if we don’t try.

Pick up paper, your pen, ring your voice loud, and clear.

Friends ban together for the rights we endear.

Senators, execs, media—exit our exam room,

Employ human agendas or ride away on your broom.

You can read more about my advocacy on my website under the tab “For Pain in Pain.”

Writing poetry has allowed me to find things about myself that I never knew existed. I have only been able to dig that deep through this form of self-expression. It is raw, it is enlightening, it is liberating, and it is real, at least to me. Every book of the five books we (my co-author Jeff Miller, PhD and me) have published includes how to use poetry as a tool for coping, and each book gives tips on how to write various types of poems. I am not a poet by profession, only a patient that found a way to learn more about myself through the words.

If you are interested in taking this journey, find “Creating an I AM Poem,” here. 

 In healing and hope for changing the way pain is perceived, judged, and treated. 

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  Celeste Cooper, RN

Author, patient/ advocate, fibromyalgia health expert 

Books:

Read about Celeste and access to her books at Author Central here

Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See Saw of Chronic Pain [Four book series]

Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain 

Advocacy: 

Fibromyalgia expert on Sharecare, here. 

Participant in the Pain Acition Alliance to Implement a National Strategy, here.

Website: http://www.TheseThree.com

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

April is Poetry Recognition Month by Celeste Cooper

Take a Stand by Celeste Cooper 

Swirling ideas, each significant to plan.

Upholding brave principles and taking a stand.

Provisions of nature and all living things

Gives fortitude, fulfillment of what life can bring.

Taste the climb; take pause, ageless, forever;

Ours for the taking–precious gift to endeavor.

Inherited by forefathers, a guide for our path,

Achievement secured when we learn from the past.

So stand up we shall, securing our position;

When acted on, they are more than conditions.

Comrades, principles, nature, history, at hand

Are the tools that endure when taking a stand.

Excerpt from Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain, SPRING DEVOTIONS, here.

  

"Poetry is writing about yourself waiting

to see what will show up, the words are

the finger points of your soul.”  

~Sandford Lyne, author of

Writing Poetry from the Inside Out

Inner Expression:

 Coping with Pain and Fatigue through Poetry

Coping with chronic pain is challenging. Maintaining forward momentum in the face of unpredictable symptoms and fatigue is daunting.

Poetry is a conduit to our soul, providing energy to hurtle over the many obstacles we meet in life. It provides an endless path by heightening our senses: sight, sound, touch, and smell. It is the feel, the texture, and all that may not be present but is in the mind. Poetry knows no time, no era, no restraints; it is an ever-present expression of self or circumstances through the written word...

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

(Signature line appended, March 2018)

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

Minimizing the Consequences of Pain and Illness by Exploring Your Creative Nature through Poetry by Celeste Cooper

Coping with chronic pain and illness is challenging, but self-expression through poetry is a way of diverting pain and minimizing its consequences.

Often thought of as the conduit to our soul, poetry provides us the thought energy we need to hurtle over the obstacles we face. It provides an endless path by heightening our senses, and  gives us texture, coloring us up inside.  In all our books, I give helpful tips for writing poetry, whether it be free form or rhyme, it doesn't make a difference, because we learn about ourselves, regardless.

I can't speak for everyone, but I know how I feel when I write a poem. Sometimes it's a work in progress for months or years, one poem. Sometimes, poetry allows me to explore feelings that are too painful to face, and other times—I am in awe of the words I scribe, they bring me peace because whether I am working through a difficult situation, or embracing the wonders of the world, I know when I'm done, I will feel connected to an inner creativity I only know through poetry.

I love it when the words fly coming together effortlessly, but that isn't always the case — at times — I have to put my words aside or work from a different angle. Writing from our soul may not always be easy, but it is always enlightening.

I hope you will pick up a pencil and a piece of paper. Write down some of your favorite words, you can find them in crossword puzzles, a good book, the dictionary, or make them up; that's the beauty of it. Let your mind float and your hands glide across the paper as the words guide you to a new place, a place hopefully free of pain and illness, but if you need to work that out, you can go there too. Just do it.

Following is a poem I started with four random words: truth, bird, broken, observe. The poem went through several transformations before I felt I created a deep meaning for myself. Some of my poems don't make a word of sense to others, but they don't need to. They are mine, just as your will be yours.

~`~`~`~`

This Is My Truth © by Celeste Cooper

Like a bird with a broken wing,

I can stray off course, my flight pattern disrupted.

Wounded from the fall, I will not judge, because

As a wise owl, I observe, I accept, I understand—

Before I take flight, I need time to mend, plan a new course.

This is my truth.

Imperfection as clear as a broken mirror,

Though broken, goals are transformed.

Seedlings forced into maturity will not thrive.

Accepting that mistakes are the seed, I cultivate.

The broken mirror affords a self-reflection of reality.

This is my truth.

I falter, sometimes wretchedly, but enlightened.

Sweet is the nectar of success—not synonymous to perfection.

Erupting from deep inside a reminder from Edison,

"I did not fail; I found 10,000 ways that won't work."

I accept my imperfections—only then—can I take flight.

This is my truth.

This Is My Truth—Take One

This is my truth

I am thrown off course

Like a bird with a broken wing.

This is my truth.

Imperfection as clear as a broken mirror,

Balance remains in sight,

Only through imperfection can I grow.

Reflection of my imperfection,

Acceptance as truth.

This is my truth.

I fail, sometimes miserably, but

I find my way in acceptance of imperfection.

Success is not possible without learning,

Learning is not possible without mistakes.

This is my truth.

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com