ode to lefty the cyst

ode to lefty the cyst

once upon a time i had some troubles deep inside
all kinds of wacky symptoms in my body did reside
some aching and some cramping and some other freaky things
that when combined together fear and worry they did bring

i headed to the doctor to explain this crazy mess
she ordered days of testing and eventually confessed,
“you’ve got yourself a problem that we very nearly missed:
your ovary’s been saddled with a squishy, plum-sized cyst.”

at first i felt my heartbeat start to pound and sweat did bead
a cyst attached to organs was a thing i did not need
a bothersome intruder to a life already stressed
more undesired vexing from this most unwelcome guest

despite the doc’s assurance that this wasn’t a huge deal
that cysts like this were common and that many simply heal
just knowing it was in there made my mind expect the worst
that maybe it would grow or, god forbid, that it could burst

but just before i waded elbow-deep in swamps of fret
a new idea was born to thwart the progress of this threat
i’d launch a staunch offensive to make sure it shrank and died
i’d squash it and i’d starve it and i’d stop it in its stride

yet as i gathered armour to begin this noble war
resolved to be the victor and be cyst-less ever more
a friend who’d been in battle stopped me gently and just said,
“perhaps a sense of love is what will help you here instead.”

you see, these cysts don’t grow if things within you are just fine
in bodies kept in balance with a clear and healthy mind
if everything is working and in harmony (on-key)
your system keeps things humming and your innards stay cyst-free

eat well and get your rest and keep your heart and head in check
make sure your chi is flowing and that wellness stays on deck
but when you let things slide and you ignore what matters most
your chemistry can change and you become the perfect host

“hello!” a cyst will say, “are you aware that you’re askew?
i’m here as a red flag and there’s some fixing you should do.
you need to pay attention but you’ve let things run amok,
that’s why i’m your new tenant even though this sort of sucks.”

for me, this news was something that i knew was very true
nutrition had been lacking and my mood was trapped in “blue”
my nights were mostly restless and my days consumed by doubt
no wonder cystic action bubbled forth and then grew out

if negative emotion was what helped the cyst to thrive
then fueling it with more would only help it stay alive
if what i really wanted was to see it disappear
then what i really needed was to throw myself in gear

so with my friend in mind i changed my tune and altered course
while knowing sudden healing was a thing i could not force
but maybe if i tried to see this cyst with clearer eyes
its visit might be shortened and we’d soon say our goodbyes

to start, i named it “lefty” for the side on which it lives
and thanked it for the warning and reminders that it gives
i try to treat it kindly and with tenderness and care
(i figure i don’t want it getting angry while in there)

and, yes, i’m eating better and i’m trying to get sleep
and working on solutions to the feelings that i keep
there’s vitamins a’plenty, extra A and C and E
addressing from all sides the many issues that are me

and lefty, though it sometimes causes pain and makes me cringe
with every stitch and throb i try to thank it for the twinge
i place my hand just so and in a quiet voice i say,
“i understand your presence, but i hope you go away.”

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© yepimawriter 2010