My diabetic chickens have come to roost
in an explosion of red in one of only two eyes-
and suddenly half the world disappears.
Beautiful Ukrainian nurses guide me
to the next apparatus
in the torture chambers of doctor's offices.
Physicians mutter incantations of what I should have done
and how I should have lived my life in a different way,
then promise punishment with scapel and forceps
in seven-to-ten days; perfect time for worry and dread
to build to a crescendo of justified fear.
And through it all there is the truth
that immediate danger never materialized,
and that a disease has taken a thousand tiny cuts,
and one very large one.
Author notes
One word prompt is "diminished".
I have been diabetic for many years, and have abused my sturdy body by indifference. Wednesday, I lost vision in my right eye due to diabetic retinopathy, whether permanent remains to be seen. Needless to say, I am scared beyond belief. There is no blame to be assigned other than my own. At least I can write about it.
A contest entry
- One Word Prompt #9 by Diminished Capacity.
1075 points, ended November 1, 15 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Contest Best Prewrites:October 2009 by amaranthine lover.
2875 points, ended November 23, 44 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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You take care of yourself! My goodness, Russell...please keep me posted.
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Nice Poem hun
can i just say how much you look like the football manager Joe Royle? except you have beard and he doesn't. and I mean english football not americal football, anyway you get one clap from me. P.s. you say breeluv, but do you luv to breed?
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Very brave
Take care of yourself. -
Very brave
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Diabetes is a difficult thing to deal with, I admire you for the courage to write about it because not many realize the effects it has one someone. Great job with this piece, thank you so much for entering.
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So one of those pretty blue eyes is purely for looks at the moment, huh? Please keep us posted. Love you! - Beth
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Like your previous comment Russell, I'm very sorry to hear what has been happening with you. I hope everything will turn out for the best and that any surgery you have will be successful.
You are in my thoughts and my best wishes and love go with you.
Sue
x
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Oh Russell I am so sorry to hear that. It has to be so scary.
Keep the faith that everything will turn out well and I wish you all the best on your upcoming surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how you're doing.
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