My first book, As Easy as Breathing: Reclaiming Power for Healing and Transformation, tells the story of my first journey through breast cancer and into recovery and renewal. Over the years these poems have supported many people going through cancer as well as other challenges (like depression). Perhaps a gift for you or someone you know?
This poem came to mind from As Easy as Breathing.
Let the Body Speak
if it wants rest…
give rest,
if it wants motion…
give motion.
Do not nag or numb,
poke or prod,
just listen
to the ancient wisdom
spoken in language
older than any other.
Let the Body speak
in quiet, even tones,
let the Body speak
without shouting in anger
at such long neglect,
at such secondary status.
We inhabit this particular Body,
which is in our care,
for good reason,
not to frustrate us
with tests we can’t pass,
not to beat on mercilessly
“no pain, no gain,”
but to protect our luminosity,
to enjoy, to love, to grow with.
Let the Body speak
and then listen
and act on its behalf.
The Body knows precisely
what it needs, just ask…
and listen.
Be gentle, approaching
as you would a wary puppy;
put out your hand and edge closer.
The Body is familiar with deceit,
with promises made and not kept.
Trust will take time to build;
it is so easy to fall back
into old familiar patterns.
But I tell you this:
we will not regain full power
until the Body is an equal partner.
Let the Body speak…
and listen.
Margaret Dubay Mikus
© 1998
Listen to track #30 on my CD, Full Blooming: Selections from a Poetic Journal
