Fluid.
Limbs flooded,
lungs immersed,
skin engorged-
you chase it off.
Pill
after pill.
Nights.
Twilight wheezes
upon three pillows.
Four.
Five.
Bare
are your breaths
as you gasp,
fight-
hunger unquenched.
Stairs
unconquerable,
indomitable,
fatigue intractable.
Slowly you ascend.
Still
you conquer,
embrace
love,
life,
strength.
Your heart full.
Your dilated cardiomyopathy.
Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Medicine, Poetry by Phoebe
![Freedom to Care [a poem]](https://i0.wp.com/phoebemd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-712413.jpg?fit=1152%2C768&ssl=1&resize=40%2C40){kind=small}
I don’t have cardiomyopathy, but I do have congestive heart failure, and just recovered from a severe acute systolic episode in October that laid me low for three weeks. So I could relate to much of this poem. Thank you!
I am very sorry to hear that, but I am glad to hear that you are feeling better now. Wishing you the best. 🙂
Our cousin boy Piper has a larged heart. We think it reflects his attitude. We only wish it didn’t cause him harm and worry his Momma so much. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem.
Aww…I’m sorry to hear that. Sending warm thoughts and hugs in his direction. 🙂
Reblogged this on Annie's Poetry.
Somehow when someone tells you, “you have a big heart,” it is a good thing. Except when it’s coming from a doctor.
Tears. I watched that.
Catchy title for your poem, Phoebe. 🙂 Observations nicely put in words! Have a lovely day 🙂 Iris
Thanks, Iris, you too! 😀
🙂
The humanity in this poem is vivid and real. I felt somewhat frightened by the things you’ve described, though I’m drawn to its structure, taut and clear.
😉 🙂
Beautiful. I love your note of hope in the midst of a serious condition.
Nicely done Phoebe! Literally having a large heart is not a good thing! You have captured that so well!
You perfectly captured the struggle, that those patients experience, oftentimes, daily. Beautiful!
🙂 😀
Ah, Phoebe, I know you write that which you observe, and this is so good, and true. And a wonderful last line, too!
Thank you! Wishing you the best! 😀
such heart-wrenching sentiments, lovely
beautiful.