Support and Coping with Cancer   /   Creative Inspiration

The Knife

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Joy Harold Helsing
Last Modified: July 16, 2003

Five years ago a surgeon's knife
severed a breast
to save my life.

It was a fair exchange.
I still survive.
And I no longer need that chunk of flesh
to feed a child
or lure a lover.

But I have become a voyeur.
In spite of myself, I often stare
at high, firm mounds under tight clothing,
bare bosoms over daring décolletage,
bold bulges enhanced by clever brassieres.

I try not to be envious.
I have had my day.
Yet I can't stop feeling
such things should come in pairs,
not a lopsided solo
like mine.

And I want to warn
the beautiful, innocent girls
flaunting their beautiful, innocent wares--
enjoy it--
enjoy it
while you can.