Charmed Chaos
Musings on Life, Love, and Linguine-Poetry & Writing
The White Rose
“There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.”
― Leonard Cohen, Selected Poems, 1956-1968
In the early days of disbelief
There arose a confusing cloud of smoke
Swirling hot pink within my brain
Consuming me with poisonous fumes
As I crawled to the edge of sanity
I looked around to understand
This arduous journey I faced
Where my cherished life might end
Seeing the angel of death I said,
Be gone from my body, dear Azrael
I’m not yet ready to take leave today
I have much to do, even more to say
My mind began to clear, my heart was at peace
The smoke began to fade and my pain did ease
For there in my soul was a beautiful pure white rose
Blooming within me, planting petals of bright hope
©2020 Linda Lee Lyberg
Author’s Note: I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I find myself writing a lot about what I am feeling and thinking.I certainly never thought I would be facing something like this; I suppose most people seldom do.
The Sunday Muse #114
Poets and Storytellers United: Well, that was unexpected
Linda Lee Lyberg is a wife, mother, artist, published poet and author. She resides in Mesa, AZ with her husband Pete (aka The Big Viking) of 24 years, and her dog, Ricky Bobby. Linda writes various forms of poetry, as well as short stories. You can read more of her works at: charmedchaos.com
and purchase anthologies containing her work here: Amazon Author Page
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Charmed Chaos 
Writing is cathartic … your words carry the weight of what you are experiencing. Please know you are not alone in this journey. A lovely poem ~ and you used one of my most favorite Cohen lines.
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Thank you so much Helen.
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Beautiful and courageous, Linda. I love how you end on a hopeful note. When I had the problem I mentioned to you in my message the other day, I wrote about it quite a bit too, it helped. But, being the Queen of Catastrophic Thinking, I figured i was done. I had lost a bunch of weight without trying to, and had even had a dream naming the exact day. But in the end all was well, and it will be for you, too.
If you’d like to see a poem I wrote then, here is one:
http://fireblossom-wordgarden.blogspot.com/2011/11/vantului.html
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Shay, thank you so much. Off to read now…
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This is heart stirring and beautiful Linda! I can feel the worry and concern in your words, but so love the white rose blooming within you at the end. Hopeful and inspiring! My heart is with you and you will remain in my prayers.
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Thank you Carrie. I appreciate that.
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The inner battle, that one of thought, is often overlooked.
These lines are a reminder of how important it is be aware of that.
“My mind began to clear, my heart was at peace
The smoke began to fade and my pain did ease”
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Yes, I agree. Thank you Ken.
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May you continue to reside in the place in your last 2 lines, Linda.
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Thank you Lisa.
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Beautifully written, Lynda, and it is good to see your spunk and determination. Please continue to use your writing as catharsis. It’s healing. And please know that you are supported by healing thoughts from all of us who read of your journey. God bless.
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Thank you Beverly. That means so much to me.
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I love the quote you used in the beginning, so true!
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A beautiful poem.
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Thank you.
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Thank you for this one, Linda. I have liked that quote since first reading. We should all be wise enough to find the crack between thoughts and feelings. You make your path easy to follow.
Elizabeth
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Thank you Elizabeth.
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“Seeing the angel of death I said,
Be gone from my body, dear Azrael ”
May you conquer Azrael with hope and courage “Not today…”.
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Thank you.
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You are brave and positive. I imagine there will be very hard days too. I am glad you are writing your way through – all of it, the hard days and the good, will take you on a journey, an unexpected one, but a journey nevertheless. We read your words in support and solidarity.
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Thank you so much Sherry.
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What a powerful metaphor of cancer and chemotherapy and hope and resilience. Beautifully done.
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Thank you q. I hope you are well.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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We never know how courageous we are until we need to be. Hope blooming in a pure white rose is such a beautiful metaphor. May healing love surround you.
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Thank you Susie.
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So beautifully written, Linda. May that white rose of health conquer all.
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Thank you kindly.
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So sorry. That should have been addressed to Linda.
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I corrected it. 😊
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