Arthritis (poem) by Carole Mathys on AuthorsDen
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by Carole Mathys Friday, September 24, 2010
 The Scent of Roses Renaissance A Lady Dressed in Trouble Lonely Empty Arms Just Beyond This Door
it pursues me each day
stealing pieces of familiar movements
slowing down my body's rhythm
that once graced ballet shoes
it's relentless as it hacks away
trying to diminish my inner cadence
no longer lithe and nimble
determined to not succumb
as a tug of war begins each day
I will not condone this invader
as it chips away my form
this insatiable shadow
only letting down my guard
as night surrounds me
trying to take those moments
that I only expose before dreams
hovering between awareness and
the comfort of sleeps surrender
I know you feel the pain unable to do little things
one thought simple once
An excellent description of the malady, Carole ... but told with panache and beautiful imagery, as I've come to expect from your work. I, too, have arthritis and I'm trying to hold it at bay by going to the gym several times a week. So far, so good, although some days hurt more than others. Hugs,
"I will not condone this invader
demands more and more"
I understand exactly where you are coming from. Arthritis is nasty because it stiffens your joints. I've tried my best not to let it stiffen my mind by using a wheelchair when my wife and I go anywhere where I have to do much walking.
I like your poem and am wondering if that is you in the picture above it.
I feel these lines, Carole, I really do. Add Fibro to the mix and OUCH. We persevere, though. Excellent write.
Oh dear Carole,
I know this pain so well..I have some of it in my knee after tearing my miniscus a few years back..
I do pain management meditations, it really helps, I can send you some of the cd titles if you are interested.
I wish you much release of painful Arthritis, but most of all peace, love and light,
ach, the plight of many a dancer, sadly, Carole - and I never before realised that about you, but it so figures! Your graceful bearing and elegant mind. Your delicious balance and poise in all that you think and write. And here is yet another example. I am so sorry for this sense of beleaguerment. I do hope that a disciplined "wellness schedule" of effective treatments and exercise will keep this st/h/ealth predator at bay. Love and prayers, Kate xx
Truly, to suffer in pain is so hard, your poem tugs at the heart, I think too of the children that suffer so, just can't phantom that...
your poem is really good Carole~
This is really descriptive and you are in my prayers Carole. I don't have arthritis, but because of my medical conditions my body has rebelled against me, and my whole center of gravity has changed because of them. But God through His son Jesus is watching over us through their angels they send to guide us and protect us. You have written this very well Carole, thank you for sharing.
Dear Carole,I too have arthritis and it visits me daily.I often wonder how you and family are doing Hugs Johanna
I know the feeling all too well. Getting tough to button my shirt anymore. I'm sorry yours is so painful as there isi not much you can take for it to get any lasting relief. George
Thank you for sharing this meaningful offering, Carole. I wish you love, peace, and healing. Regis
Carole I'm so sorry you have such pain to deal with. A Heart Touching Pen.
Love the last line. I can relate to this quite well.
A beautiful face with a captivating smile. Eyes that glisten and sparkle with mystery and allure. Lips that know the curl and sweep of humor and a kiss. Arthritis, the demon intruder will never capture nor overwhelm those attributes you behold. Carole, the stark contrast and recognizing this formidable foe, yet declaring ever lasting resistance is a romantic stance of the first order my dear friend. You have thought this challenge through and posed it on paper with much grace. May peace and love be the arms that embrace you on this day. Jon Michael
I am sorry for youe pain, Carole. I knew and know people with the ailment. It is a pain in the whole body. I will pray for you hopefully your pain will subside.
I feel your debilitation and frustration, Carole, the all too real condition that robs you of grace and mobility,
but I smile in admiration when you say, "...determined to not succumb as a tug of war begins each day..."
you've joined battle and it's the only way.
Dear Carole, Your story about Arthritis attracted my attention. At my age everytime there is something else popping up. Lately I dicovered that Arnica Gel helps with aches and pains. Hope it will work for you too. Your poem deserves attention as it expresses exactly what you feel.
A horrible way to have to live. By now you would think they would have found a cure for the damned disease.
I know all too well the pain of arthritis. I have osteoarthritis too, and it's getting harder for me to get around. But I refuse to let it slow me down, though it tries. Excellent write; well done, Carole!
(((HUGS))), much love, and prayers, As always, your friend in Texas, Karen Lynn. :(
Carole I know this is a difficult thing you're going through, and your poem about what the disease does to not only the body but the spirit...is both tragic and beautiful! I'm sending positive energy out to you .....maybe the love and support you receive will help to ease your pain a little.....I love your phrasing...it's pure magic!
Wonderful poem, such a fresh topic. But Carole please don't surrender to arthritis! It sounds, if this is auto-biographical like it is chipping away at your hope. There must be something to help it? A natural remedy? I'm in awe if you are/were a dancer. I was a ballerina until I had to choose between dance and music, and oh I loved to dance, but was not good at remembering the longer combinations. I'd end up in heaps of tears on the floor.
Ah, Carole, my friend, afraid that this is one of the worst afflictions that come with middle to older age. So sorry that Arthritis is "slowing the rhythm that once graced ballet shoes." I do feel your words.