Afflicted
I am too fragile for these afflictions,
these violent illnesses sent
against me.
I am plagued by a yearning
to forever remain delicate,
yet I am struck by
hurricanes, by back-breaking
purges from my diseased depths.
I drown in my willingness
to remain living. I gargle
on the blood of foremothers.
The falling sickness
strikes me when I
am too haughty
in my comfort.
I deserve the worst due to all I tell.
too much, too much
some prophetic utterances
shouldn’t be touched
I am too small
to carry all of
this devastating wave.
Its debris dams
my throat, gets
kelped in my teeth.
but I keep swallowing
I have no pride.
I will be happy
to die in defeat.
Thistle Thoughts 
Deeply moving poem Jennifer! Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
Most welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s far too much life for you to live, Jenn. 🙏🏾💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I want to get back to it, believe me. 🩵🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
“but I keep swallowing” — That line from the depths of suffering rends the heart with its palpably raw force. Beautiful poetry, Jennifer. You are so talented, my friend. 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thank you for saying 🩷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most welcome. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re a talent with both your words and how you arrange them and structure the page. 👏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. That is very kind of you to say. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So we beat on, boats against the current, borne ceaselessly back into the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💙💙
LikeLike