Dear Diary,
What do I write about when I have nothing to write about?
When my lips have nothing to say?
Do I paint for you portraits
of hollow chimes adrift
in dew whose songs
mesmerize with
each sway of
the wind’s
caress?
Do I liken you to a single rose
who has but endured a
winter’s wrath to
weave a quilt
of fragrant
hues?
Or do I reflect upon my life as it is,
to tell you how much I treasure
the privilege of being able to
help you, to care for
you, whenever
you are
ill?
Do I try to express how tremendous my
heart feels when I tell you that it is
going to be alright, or when we
know that it may not, that
we will conquer it
together?
Do I admit to you that whenever you
smile, my day is brightened,
my heart is warmed,
and that when you
weep, my soul
tears with
you?
And do I tell you how much I appreciate you-
your presence, your courage- as you
battle through your illnesses,
uncertainties, and fears-
while reminding you
that you are an
inspiration
to me?
So what do I do when my lips can find no words?
I suppose I let the heart speak.
•
Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Medicine, Poetry by Phoebe
![When the Broken Becomes Beautiful [a poem]](https://i0.wp.com/healthinspiration.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-photo-3041109.jpeg?fit=1200%2C764&ssl=1&resize=40%2C40){kind=small}
Reblogged this on Writer At Large and commented:
Something I came across. Beautiful.
Phoebe, how beautiful! I clicked on this post when I saw your drawing of the young girl carrying the heart with her long, dark hair blowing in the wind. She looked so much like my daughter. I absolutely loved it.
Then, I read your poem and given my situation, it spoke volumes. When the dewrmatomyositis flared up two years ago, I saw my three different doctors and I knew each of them felt my situation personally. My GP was quite emotional. My lung specialist was very warm and my rheumatologist couldn’t look at me. It was interesting how that each reacted and we all knew I was in deep water but they helped me get out. I am very conscious that I am only alive because of their expertise and all the medical and scientific research that goes on. I am incredibly grateful and it’s made such a huge difference to our family. My kids are no longer 3 and 18 months old like when I was first diagbnosed but about to turn 12 and 10…a very diferent story!
Thank you!
xx Rowena
Wow…it warms my heart to know that you had a good connection with your physicians. It must have been a difficult journey, but I know there were and are many on your side cheering you on…from your doctors to your family. And now, having conquered a serious illness, you are able to reach out to many others and connect with them. I think that is wonderful! 🙂
I wish you all the best, Rowena! Hugs, phoebe 🙂
Thanks, Phoebe. UNfortunately, the dermatomyositis hasn’t quite been conquered but is in remission and I’ve definitely given it a decent whack over the head.
Reaching out to others is very important to me. I know what it’s like to feel that incredible angst when you feel alone and I guess I’d like to let them know that they’re not the only one and it is possible to get through it physically, emotionally and spiritually. All these areas of your lie take a beating with any serious illness, as you’d appreciate xx Rowena
That was so great ! Not just the introspection, but the form of the words, a wind chime of words ! Your talent amazes !
What kind words…thank you! 😀
A lucky diary to be filled with such beauty
🙂 <3 🙂