You already knew.
Gaze unflinching,
you told us to say the words.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
A. L. S.
Despite sparse questions,
your eyes revealed
an understanding far deeper
than our answers-
that with one moment,
robbed were you
of the years ahead,
of memories awaiting,
of stories belonging to you.
Now lost.
Strength dissolving,
your conviction remains
unscathed.
You savor
each passing sunrise.
Each caress, each step.
For you know.
As your legs cease to support,
arms stop to comply,
you still feel
your child’s touch.
Absorbing her love.
Pretending
you don’t care the roles
have been reversed
as you yearn
to return her embrace.
As its hunger ascends,
You treasure
the remaining days.
Every word, every smile.
For you know.
Soon it
consumes your voice,
drains your visage,
until all that is left is
the silence
of a vacant mask.
Unable to reflect
your thought’s grin,
your heart’s laugh,
your soul tears
as you blink away the moisture.
As your breaths
increasingly betray you,
you are not defeated,
for the flames
of your bruised spirit
are not quenched,
and you give thanks
for the time you had,
even as your body dims
and you fade away.
•
Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Medicine, Poetry by Phoebe, Spoken Word Videos
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so very moving. I lost a friend to ALS, she was a wife and mom, it was heartbreaking.
Will we ever find a cure for this dreaded disease?
I am so very sorry to hear about your friend. It is indeed a devastating disease, and my hope is also that they will in the near future find a cure for it. Thank you so much for reading.
<3
This is so spot on…I watched a friend’s journey we
with this disease…so hard to keep the body in balance. I think it is great to see this disease through a physicians lens…thank you Phoebe!
Thank you. This was inspired by my patient’s courage. It is a heartbreaking disease to witness. I can’t imagine living it…
Painfully perfect description of the journey I am presently on. Beautiful, even in its horror. Thank you.
That means a lot to me. It was inspired by my patient’s courage during his journey. My thoughts are with you as well.
Reblogged this on Bum's Landing & Restart – Andrè Michael Pietroschek and commented:
God, forgive science, and guide the healers path.
Powerful, this. I enjoyed my visit here again. Love your deliberate, creative word arrangement in this and several other neighbouring pieces.
You are kind…thank you for reading. 🙂
Wow. My uncle has ALS, and this poem feels like a perfect tribute to his struggle. Very compelling piece.
Reblogged this on richwrapper and commented:
Stunning. Phoebe Chi, “Puppy”Doc. Does Her Universe hold 96-hour days? Where does she find time to do all this? My advice: go to PuppyDoc blog and see what wonders occur. This one musing on A.L.S. is but on aspect of this many-attributed young lady.