Sisters of The Scar

by
Diane Greene

Diana-- Here is my poem.  I hope it's not too caustic.   I just found out that my mother who is 76 was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I only hope I can be of some consolation to her.

I live in a small rural community in Mississippi.  I had my first lump removed on July 26, 2000 and my second lump removed on October 13, 2000.  I am taking chemo now and then radiation. 

I find journaling, prayer/ yoga, and networking with other survivors to be my healing guides.


Sisters of the Scar


The first time they sliced and diced me
      I fared so very well-
Prancing and pacing round Sturgis town
I repressed the living hell

This time-
it's not so easy
Fear has reared his ugly head
I can't ignore recurring thoughts
When will I be dead?

Yet-

I find solace in the stories
of those who've gone before
Jackie O, Susan Komen, Betty Ford
They're so many more-

yes

We are the survivors
Scarred, but never bowed
We did not ask for this challenge
Yet we are avowed-

That cancer will not claim our spirits
It will not eat our hearts
We will do what has to be done
To leave our personal marks

N0-

We are not vacuous victims
Not shackled, beaten, or barred,
Though some of us have shaved our locks-
We are not permanently marred-

-so-
To all that come behind us
In faith we'll lead the way
We are your mothers,
your sisters,
 your daughters.

Sisters of the Scar

Alive and Strong today!

©
Diane Greene
October, 2000

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