I Go On.

Prompt from Poetic Bloomings: write about an accomplishment
For the Memoir in Poetry, part 2

Background note: I was diagnosed with a rare form of vasculitis, Wegener’s Granulomatosis, in April 2007. It is treatable, but not curable, and may go into remission – but can return at any time. This is my greatest accomplishment, that I keep going; yet not in my own strength but that of Another.


Could be fatal, they said.
And there I lay, diseased and
missing half my blood – it had
disintegrated, gone away,
lifeblood no longer life.

Could be treated, they said.
And there I prayed; and took
one pill, one prayer, one day
by itself – baby steps when
I could barely walk at all.

Could improve, they said.
And there I leapt, yet leaning
on another and Another;
his arms, his legs – working for mine;
His strength working for mine.

Could recur, they said.
And there I wept, afraid to
live for fear that fears would live.

And there I paused.

But then, so tired of the waiting,
the not living–

Could go on! I said.
And there I grew, aware
that life was made to live,
and thrive – and I was made
to fight, and go on living.