(Originally written June 2005)
The Scar
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
The scar that reminds me
“You had cancer”
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and mourned the loss
of my precious left breast
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and felt the uneven healing skin
stitching herself together
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and heard the words
“We caught it early,”
“We can treat this,”
“You’ll be just fine”
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and wondered
“Will I ever be sexy,”
“Will I ever be desirable”
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and noticed the intricate work
of a skilled breast surgeon
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and gave thanks to be in the artistic hands
of the best plastic surgeon in Boston
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and rejoiced in the love
so effortlessly given to me
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
and applauded my posse
for the strength and courage they mustered
to see me through
How many times
Have I looked at this scar
only to smile
because I’m here today
and very alive
© 2005, 2009 Peggy Nolan
This is really beautiful, Peggy. Thank you so much for sharing. Your struggle and survival is an inspiration for me. It helps me remember that it’s all worth doing.
Hi Daphne! It really is ALL worth doing! Life is magical, wonderful, and truly an adventure! (BTW – I read your blog every day – only I can’t post a comment from my lovely desk at work…shhhhh…I will make a point to visit later tonight when I can comment from home!) xxoo Peggy
Hi Peggy,
When I was born, I had a birth defect that made my head look crooked. So when I was nine, I had an operation which corrected the condition. The surgeon placed the scar on my neck line so it blends in with the natural lines of the neck.
Each time I look at it, it reminds me of where I have been and where I am. My past was full of pain and suffering and to have overcomed that is such a gift. So it is like a wound from battle. Kind of like a symbol of how strong the human spirit can be.
Sounds like your scar holds deep meaning for you and that is awesome. Your post was beautiful.
What a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing it.
Peggy, lovely poem! A beautiful reminder that you can physically touch, and see to remember the battle you faced. I think it inspires, us all, to look at our scars in a whole new light. Thank you for that.
Hi Nadia! I started out hating my scar because everything it represented scared me. Then it became representative of all that I had been through and I came out the other side with most of my pieces and parts
Today, I no longer notice my scar and when I found this long lost poem of mine, I decided to re-notice and appreciate everyone in my life who stood by me and stands by me.
Hi Carolyn! Thank you for sharing your spirit here today!
Hi Angelia! You are welcome! Scars come in different shapes and sizes…some physical, some emotional…and you are so right…sometimes we need to look at our scars in a whole new light!
Powerful poem! It tells of the inner strength you have and that is the best healing known on this planet. We all smile that you are with us today! Thank you for sharing your awesome spirit!