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Black and white
held up to the light
As I wait, biting
what's left of my nails
Black or white
Yes or no
Clean or not
Stay or go
Black and white
but something's not right
The evil could hide
in plain sight when
there's not enough night
to contrast with the day
on the x-ray
White on white
Cotton in snow
doesn't quite show
so how do I know?
Fifty-fifty chance
they miss a spot,
report that it's not
and then, what?
Black and white
And I sit tight
trying to fight my fears
All of these years
Being told I'm clear
but all may not be
as it appears.
Poet's Comment: I don't usually explain my poems, but this is about early breast cancer detection and it's important. Did you know that breast density influences the accuracy of a mammogram? Dense breast tissue is comprised of less fat and more glandular tissue. On a mammogram, dense tissue appears white and cancerous tumors also appear white, making it nearly impossible to "see" the tumor. While mammogram can find about 98% of cancers in women with fatty breast tissue, it finds only about 48% of cancers in women with dense breast tissue. If you have dense breasts, you may want to get an ultrasound or MRI in addition to a routine mammogram. Some states now mandate that information about breast density be included on a mammogram report. Find out. Check out this site for more info.
submitted for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, Kerry's Wed. Challenge, Black and White
16 comments:
I also have dense breast tissue, less so as I age ~ a side benefit I suppose ... several scares through the years. I relate to your extraordinary poem and understand the stress surrounding any kind of x-ray procedure.
This has a beautiful flow.......
Wowzers, Lolamouse - very important topic and thank you for the info - why do more of us not hear this kind of vitally relevant information? Thanks for writing about it. Your poem has captured the stress, fear and "what if's" of this type of medical test. I so know the feeling. I had the flip side, being told by three doctors my tumor was cancerous then, after it was removed, being told, nope, it wasnt after all. I was very lucky. I sincerely hope that you are, too.
I knew there was a hidden message-
powerful poem Miss Mouse! Thank you for the awareness-an important message~
I too hope you are okay! WE need to spread this message! Why aren't we told?!
Thanks for clearing up the grey in this serious matter. :)
sigh, my friend
I wondered if anyone would respond to the black and white thinking portion of this prompt. You have done so with aplomb, and hinted that one can never quite do away with the grey areas in between.
the ability of evil to hide in plain sight when there is not enough night to contrast with day on the xray...yes, nice...i did get that it was about cancer of some sort...def get yourself checked...ugh, i hate cancer
an important topic which you brought out well... there are so many aspects explored in the piece...
An excellent message linked to your poem. It is scary how an OK can be a misdiagnosis. Women need to be aware of their bodies and options available.
I'm dense and I have breasts. Now what? :-P
Happy Gobbletov!
Thanks for the info, LM. I sort of got that feeling it was about cancer, as what is more anxiety inducing? but your note clarified. Everything else I have is composed of fatty tissue, so hopefully my breasts are, too. ;_)
Seriously, this is a scary poem, like someone whispering in your ear something you are trying not to hear.
You p=conveyed it well even without the explanation.
love t oreality touched with the lightness of the rhyme
Came back for a second read ... still laughing at Shay's comment!!
Wow, well done, Ms Mouse. Scary stuff. Fortunately (I guess) I am so terrified of the pain mammograms cause me that I forget all about the reason for them. I never go away thinking "maybe cancer" but just "I'm glad this one's over".
I sure hope you're okay. Cancer is so insidious. In my immediate family, three of us have had three different kinds of cancer, and my brother-in-law has had a fourth kind.
Please keep the Toads posted.
Hugs, K
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