[Poetry] Perspective

I wrote this poem entitled "Perspective" in honor of one of my patients on my neurology clerkship service. Señora, gracias por todas las lecciones de vida que compartió conmigo. Me encantó nuestras conversaciones y las aprecio.

"You are stupid. Don't think for a single second You know your disease! To be there for your family And To be strong for your children, What you say is closest to your heart -  What is most important is To succumb to your illness. You must learn not, If you want to find happiness, To find hope amid the darkness Surrender to the battle! After all, acceptance is the Solution to the chronic state. Don't you see? This is not a  Proper way to grieve! There is no Pause. Counting your blessings Won't stop the disease. You should be Wallowing in sadness. My dear, don't you get it yet? Yes, you have multiple sclerosis!"

"Yes, you have multiple sclerosis." "My dear, don't you get it yet? Wallowing in sadness Won't stop the disease. You should be  Counting your blessings. Pause. There is no Proper way to grieve. "Don't you see? This is not a  Solution to the chronic state. After all, acceptance is the  Surrender to the battle. To find hope amid the darkness, If you want to find happiness, You must learn not To succumb to your illness." "'What is most important is What you say is closest to your heart -  To be there for your family And To be strong for your children. You know your disease. Don't think for a single second You are stupid."