My Body Betrayed Me

I have had two friends battle breast cancer. I can be overwhelmed with their pain. I feel them. I was talking to my dear friend who has conquered the disease and she is still suffering. I was moved to write this poem for her.

My Body Betrayed Me

My body betrayed me.

My body betrayed me and left me for dead.

And I beat my hand across my breast and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “BODY! You will NOT betray me! You will NOT kill me.”

And I won.

My mind betrayed me.

My mind betrayed me and caused fear, confusion, doubt.

And I beat my hands across my breast and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “MIND! You will NOT betray me! You will NOT cause chaos.”

And I won.

My dignity betrayed me.

My dignity betrayed me and left me shame.

And I beat my hands across my breast and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “DIGNITY! You will NOT betray me! I will NOT be ashamed.”

And I won.

My friends betrayed me.

My friends betrayed me and left me alone.

And I beat my hands across my breast and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “FRIENDS! “You did NOT betray me! I am NOT alone.”

And I won.

My husband betrayed me.

My husband betrayed me and did not protect me.

And I beat my hands across my breast and I yelled at the top of my lungs, “HUSBAND! You did NOT betray me! You did protect me.”

And I won.

God betrayed me.

God betrayed me and allowed me to get sick, have fear, feel shame, be alone and unprotected.

And I beat my hands on my breast and yelled at the top of my lungs, “GOD! You will NEVER leave me or forsake me! You love me.”

And God won me.