Breathless, Breastless

Breathless, breastless, tight band down arm to chest

Looks down to the red biro line, where once she saw her breast
Turns side on to the mirror, her curves of female form
But turn the other way and her missing breast she mourns.

No symmetry, lop-sided, imbalance in her shape

Already learnt to hide the bumps, a pretty scarf she drapes.
Prosthesis, fake, it feels so false, elastic that digs in
Prefers to go “au natural” and wear only her skin.

Breastless, breathless, stabs and jabs within

Drugs to ease the pain, warm oil to soothe the skin
Weary nights, toss and turn, can’t lay upon her side
Pillows, cushions rest her bones, too many tears she’s cried.

Her battle or her war to win?  To fight with all her might?

No winners here, or soldiers brave, no heroes in the night

Light the way in a tunnel dark, brighten mind and soul

Be healed, be strong and live this life, regaining dreams, her goal.