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  • Lauren’s Poem

    Posted by Webs on May 11, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Lauren wrote this in her poetry notebook at school and was asked to read it at the poetry tea. I thought it was powerful and wanted to share it.

    Where I am From

    Where I’m From
    I’m from pony tails and a hair clip
    Trying out different makeup
    Different clothes
    Different shoes
    I’m from wondering why Mom was in pain
    Why she was always grumpy
    Why long rants about the doctor were common place
    And why I wasn’t told a thing.
    I’m from long hot showers
    After a long and satisfying vaulting practice
    Smelling like the horse
    Loving the smell of soap
    And as I trundle down the stairs in my PJ’s
    The smell of my mom’s amazing cooked sandwiches
    Made of things you would never think of.
    I’m from my mother’s admission
    She had cancer
    From crying myself to sleep
    When no one could hear
    Staying strong during the day
    So no one would pity me
    Try to comfort me
    I bottled it up inside
    And chewed my beautiful nails down to stubs
    Sometimes my fingers
    Making them bleed.
    I’m from shouts of, “Who left the snacks out?”
    A chorus of “Not me!”
    And a chuckle of, “Do I need to call the ‘Not Me’ exterminator?”
    Along with a brand new recipe for the night
    The last for a long time
    Delicious
    Then a kiss
    And a hug goodnight.
    I’m from hugging my mom tight before she left for surgery
    Giving her her favorite perfume from my collection
    Praying everything would work out ok
    And fighting down the tears
    When someone asked how she was
    And if I was praying
    Why wouldn’t I?
    I’m from swimming in the above ground pool
    Laying down in the grass in the sun
    Breathing in the sweet scent of many flowers
    Listening to the goldfish pond
    My cat meowing
    My dog barking
    And losing myself in blissful nothingness
    I’m from seeing my mom in the hospital
    Frail and tired
    High on painkiller
    Talking about faces she saw in the painting
    Hugging her ever so gently
    And going out to lunch
    Leaving Dad with his wife
    A solemn silence befalling my nana, brother, aunt and uncle
    No one knowing what to say.
    I’m from making new friends
    Hosting sleepovers
    Random cries of, “Truth or dare?!”
    “Someone do blue baby!”
    And, “Wow she is such a biyatch!”
    Gossip
    And those deep conversations before passing out
    At 4:30 AM
    I’m from helping my mom home
    Counting down the days till she was better
    Watching her give herself shots
    And using medical instruments
    And words
    I’d rather not mention
    As she went bald
    And continued on like a soldier
    Strong for her kids
    I knew she broke down when we weren’t around.
    I’m from locking myself in my room
    Blasting Avenged Sevenfold
    Metallica
    My Chemical Romance
    ACDC
    And Escape the Fate
    Having my own little party
    I’m from my dog bleeding for no reason
    From his eye
    His ears
    And his snout
    Taking him to the vet
    Drugging him up
    Coming down the next morning to find him dead.
    From my cat whithering
    Huddling in my lap
    Visiting my dog’s old favorite places
    And drifting off to death at age eighteen
    I’m from dancing
    Singing
    And enjoying my life
    Crossing my eyes
    And wiggling my ears
    This is me
    It’s who I am
    I love my life
    And no matter what you say
    Spread
    Or do
    You can’t make or break me
    I am me
    You are you
    I have friends
    I have family
    I am lucky
    And I am free

    Julie replied 14 years, 9 months ago 8 Members · 7 Replies
  • 7 Replies
  • julie's avatar

    julie

    Member
    May 16, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    That poem is extraordinary. She captured so much so well. You must be proud. Julie


    Volunteer Coordinator
    ABLSC
  • vgau's avatar

    vgau

    Member
    May 12, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    Wow! Here I am at school reading this and crying like crazy(Good thing I don’t have kids in my class right now).

    What I really heard as I read this was how much you are loved by your daughter and what a shining example you are to be strong and brave.

    Vi


    Dx 10/5 Non Invasive Papillary
  • flamenco's avatar

    flamenco

    Member
    May 12, 2010 at 8:24 am

    Loved it Charlotte- it made me laugh and cry at the same time.
    And Pat, what can I say? your insight into the male mind is spot on!!
    Diane

  • 's avatar

    Guest
    May 12, 2010 at 4:34 am

    I love girls!!!
    My boys poem would read

    HUH?
    My mom is strong
    Anyone want pizza?
    How about a game of golf?
    The end
    :side: :side: :side:
    pat

  • sara.anne's avatar

    sara.anne

    Member
    May 12, 2010 at 1:41 am

    WOW!


    Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
    BCG; BCG maintenance
    Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
    Forum Moderator
  • nix's avatar

    nix

    Member
    May 11, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    From a child’s mouth……..thanks for posting

    Nancy


    Nancy S
    Ta CIS
    dx Ta 11/06
    dx Ta CIS 10/07
  • melodie's avatar

    melodie

    Member
    May 11, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Very sweet and full of emotion – thanks for sharing.


    Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright

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