Category: Poetry

  • More Than a Headache – A Warrior’s Poem

    More Than a Headache – A Warrior’s Poem

    It started with a headache,
    But it didn’t go away.
    Soon I would find out
    That it was here to stay.

    They all say, ‘the sun’s out,
    go out and get some air!’
    But my wobbly legs ache,
    not to mention every strand of my hair.

    Every Doctor says, ‘You look just fine!
    It must be stress. Just get some rest.
    Here’s more meds to try to help,
    And we’ll run a bunch of tests.’

    As time went on and
    the headaches got worse,
    No meds would work
    This felt like a curse.

    I couldn’t work.
    I couldn’t clean.
    I couldn’t cook.
    Still not knowing what this means.

    I wouldn’t give up
    Until I knew what was wrong.
    It’s a Chiari Malformation,
    So you must stay strong.

    So, I have a malformation
    In the back of my head.
    There isn’t a cure
    So I plead and I plead.

    Please take this away
    And I promise I’ll be the best.
    I want to live my life
    Please just run some more tests.

    “Brain surgery may help you
    But it’s not a guarantee.
    We will remove part of your skull
    And you should be headache free.”

    As I walked into surgery
    I felt a sense of peace.
    I just knew I would be better
    And it put my mind at ease.

    Two surgeries later
    And my symptoms are still here.
    There’s no more options or treatments
    And my pain won’t disappear.

    My new life is different
    And not what I had planned.
    I still don’t know my purpose
    And I don’t know where I stand.

    One day at a time.
    That’s all I can endure.
    So I’ll keep raising awareness
    Until Chiari Malformation has a cure.