I knew the scar was coming
and after three opinions, the surgeon was chosen with care,
this one less cavalier,
instilling a quiet hope that I might still recognize
the face in the mirror.
As the shiny scalpel cut away flesh
and the unruly cells that would not heal no matter what,
there was no going back,
words like beautiful and pretty,
falling away like a handful of coins,
no longer viable currency in this world.
Only afterwards did I realize,
I still held more valuable currency,
the words, light and love,
the illusion of losing my true self, irrevocably shattered.
A beautiful “Tree of Faces” found in Stanley Park (Vancouver, B.C.).
A lovely nymph captured dancing in a wild wood in Stanley Park (Vancouver, B.C.).
anotetohuguette 
HI Kim 🌸
That’s truly beautiful to read your words that uncover your truth and bare trauma. You are such a sweet soul, and this writing is affirmation of that! Thanks for sharing as i feel your exposure of pain is empowering. We are mirrors of each other, after all. Thank you for risking the pain, again, dear one. Go gently…
B.t.w, did you get the call from the C.C., we don’t have class tomorrow. I’m so sorry to have to cancel but i had made an appointment (costing $350) and i didnt realize the conflict… when i went to reschedule, i was told i could not, or i would lose my $350.00!
I will make it up to you, i’m not sure yet, but i will let you know if we add on a class or get refunds. I will try and add one on, depending on what the class wants, next Friday.
i’m so sorry to miss you tomorrow, Kim, but keep that beautiful hand writing.
Sandra >
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You are too sweet and yes, I received a call from the C.C., see you next time, we’ll meet on the mat! Thank you for your beautiful words!
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Wow Kimberlee. This was hauntingly beautiful. It was like I was a fly on the wall watching as all this took place. Powerful words conveying true emotions. Awesome!
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When poems come through for me, I must make sure to write them down right away – this one came about 3 in the morning a few days ago…I’m so glad it spoke to you, this means a lot!
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Wow, wow, wow, I felt like the speaker of the poem was speaking to me like a friend, that’s how close to it this poem made me feel. Powerful writing, here Kimberlee!
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Your words are wonderful to read, Jade, they warm my heart! Thank you so much!!
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Beautiful words, Kimberlee, and funny trees! Thank you for sharing 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment, Samuel! I’m so glad you liked the trees, the park is awash in sculptural trees to stir the imagination!
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I can only imagine! I don’t remember much of my visit to Stanley Park, but I’ll make sure to pay attention next time I’m there 🙂
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The C is gone, and only your beauty remains, no surgeon could ever take that away. Love Mom
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This is truly beautiful, Mom, thank you so much!
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Ok Kimita, it is unimaginable the fear and pain you went through. You never once showed despair. You were brave the whole time. Yes, you still have valuable currency. Love, caring, generosity , integrity , beauty inside out and the gift of writing. Admirable, you truly are. Lucky to have you so close. 😘❤️💐
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The scar is beginning to fade and has even become a good friend, I rarely think of it these days! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such lovely words…
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Thank you for capturing these precious words….you are an absolute marvel and I never cease to be amazed by your profound gift for creating such beautiful art!!! And the trees are such an intriguing bonus…I adore trees, and these are the stuff of enchantment Thanks for sharing 🙂
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The trees seem to reveal more each time you look! Thank you, dear friend, for leaving your very precious words, this blog is so much richer for it…
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Recognizing the beauty you deliver/exude is as effortless as breathing 🙂
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You are too sweet! It’s lovely to see your words pop up as I’m wandering through the many worlds of WordPress, I hope you have the happiest of days today!
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This time off from work (vacation is over as of Monday) has given me the precious time to read/connect ans support others even as others support me 🙂 I can’t find this anywhere else…not where writing is concerned 🙂
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So true, it’s fun to come across your words on other blogs (Tanya Cliff), it’s like following breadcrumbs through the forest! Hope you enjoy the rest of your free time, it’s been great to read more of your word/song play, that’s for sure!
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It makes sense that you and Tanya are connected….she, too, has an incredible gift…exceptional! 🙂
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It makes sense to me now why you have such a beautiful heart kim…and yes our experiences (good or bad) may sometimes lead us to question our capacity as individuals..but as we reflect further we will realize that whatever happens at the end of the day we know who we truely are and that we know what we are capable of..
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This is so true…thank you so much for your beautiful words…they forever warm my heart.
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Beautifully written amidst a traumatic time. I do hope you are healing. Sending you a hug. 😍
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I’m currently moving out of two surveillance periods for two different cancers, the first which ended 20 months ago is the subject of this poem and the second just ended two days ago with flying colours! It has been quite a journey and yesterday I took a moment or two at a local coffee shop to drink a delicious ice chocolate and simply marvel at it all…thank you for thinking of me and leaving such a beautiful comment!
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I am so glad you are through it all. I had a basal cell carcinoma on the bridge of my nose removed almost two years ago. It was quite a shock but thankfully no recurrence.
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I’m so glad that you have not had a recurrence, mine was, my former dermatologist failed to tell me that it might come back, yikes! So far, so good!
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Fingers crossed for you.
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Thank you so much!
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What a gorgeous poem and testament to true beauty. Sometimes when the outer shell fades, the inner light shines brighter. I’ve noticed this with aging. My best to you for a speedy recovery. 🙂
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Thank you for this, your words are a joy to read… I have healed well though the scar that is left is forever changing…despite this, we have become good friends and I am content.
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Thank you for visiting my blog. I feel like I have picked up your story a few chapters in and I’m not sure how you’re going. Hope you are healing well and getting back on your feet. I gather you have had a cancer removed from your face, so I really admire your bravery in going through this. While I know a scar is evidence that you’re a survivor and you’ve overcome something, but all these platitudes don’t mean much when you’re about to go under the knife, especially when C is involved.
Take care & best wishes,
Rowena
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Thank you so much for stopping by, I appreciate your very kind words and you are right, I was diagnosed with two different cancers, one in 2011 & the other in 2012, I’m happy to report that I have recovered very well from both of them!
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That’s so good to hear you’re doing so well and coming up to your five years with your second cancer. I understand that’s quite a milestone.
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This was beautiful, I love the way you constructed this, at the end it is the inner core that outshines the outer, if only everyone understood this.
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Thank you ever so much for your beautiful words…
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It truly was a beautiful piece. I’m loving the way you write.
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This warms my heart…
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Looking forward to reading your other posts. I’m glad it does.
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This is so beautiful, your words and sentiments matching and mirroring the images perfectly. 💕
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Thank you so much for your beautiful words Miriam, my heart is full!
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I’m glad 💖
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Wow. This is absolutely magnificent. Thank you so much – I am touched by the caring and openness to the true beauty within. Wow. ❤ ❤ Sending you every blessing in the world. I appreciate your presence a lot.
Debbie
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I’m blessed to have your beautiful words here on my pages, I appreciate them so very much, thank you (always!)! XO
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ps – amazing photos! ❤
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Thank you so much!
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You use some powerful images here, Kimberlee, The words “falling away like a handful of coins, // no longer viable currency in this world” clang hard and cut deeply. You seem to be a very brave soul, and I’m grateful for the light and love you share with readers. I hope you are well.
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Thank you so much for your very kind words, I’m feeling very good and so grateful to be here, it’s a pleasure to be able to share a small part of my world with others!
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❤️
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