Retreat

The only true disability in life is a bad attitude!

I have been invisible

Ever since my injury

It’s hard to recall

What I was like

So, I’ve hidden

In plain sight

My body looks normal

My mind is scarred

A lump with its windows darkened

And its doors locked

I’ve lost the keys

So, I exist near the edge

Of nothing

Today I bit down

Pushing my fears back

As my fingers type

Muscle memory present

The search for words

Stressful

It surprises me

That I’ve pushed forward

I’m suddenly overwhelmed

By the empty sky

By the blank journal pages

By the flat white canvases

By the scattered puzzle pieces

That I can no longer make

Fit

~  ~ hot beeswax, hand ground pigments on wood 

 

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

You make your reader walk away with a piece of you that'll remain. That, to me, is a sign of a good writer.

[MCS]

Kelly, thank you, you are so very kind with your words.

[barleygirl]

This is brilliant & beautiful! I remember how I used to define myself by my disability (not being able to walk for a few years, then neck surgery, then learning to walk again, but now wobbly & not sustained). I love the central theme to your message as stated in the byline under your title. I love the creative way you show this blossoming happening in the last few lines. I love the way you convey the sensations of those first scary baby steps we have to get thru -- sometimes over & over! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[MCS]

Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to share.
In these times of struggle, we hope for the best and pray for the rest.
Be well

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Your breathtaking artwork and poem left me in total awe my dear Mary. I’m so sorry that you are going through such an ordeal my friend. God bless you, you are such a brave warrior. “I exist near the edge”- so honest, painful and poignant. You eloquently describe your struggle in real-time, and we understand. You’ve “pushed forward” valiantly and your light shines as bright, or even brighter, than before. I laud you, I bow to your magnificent talent. This is, as always, Master Class work. I am here for you, always, dear poet.

[MCS]

Thank you, my friend, for your ongoing kindness. Its been a rough ride, 2016 was a blur, 2017 was much the same with moments of clarity that terrified me and 2018 has been putting the pieces back together.

[John the Baptist]

This one is a stunner. Sparely written and with piercing imagery, it puts us right in the place of one who has sustained a life altering injury. In such situations, even what actions might have previously gone unnoticed are now triumphs. Best of luck and please keep writing.

[MCS]

Thank you so much. Its been a heck of a journey...

[Wyrn Tiger]

A writers journey begins with a single word. I have travailed a thousand miles with just my words and shourly you have felt the same.

[MCS]

That road it tough on its own, toss in a TBI and you’ve got a classic WTF moment