Cancer Prayer

The insidious little crab
pinches playfully
greedily
at my womanhood,
my mind,
my heart,
my life.
I will give it not a morsel.

For now --
and now is where I am --
this flesh is me.
Not all of me,
only my chosen
house of joy.
Healthy, strong, alive --
and mine.

No knife shall cut,
no poison penetrate,
no rebel traitor cell shall crumple the walls
of my pure sanctuary,
my vehicle
on the path strewn with beauty,
glory of knowledge,
that is the gift
and purpose
of my every so delicious,
grateful
breath.

Scuttle off, little crab.
You'll find no fodder here.
No fear,
no pain.
Just joy and love
and indefatigable
purpose.

by Sara, copyright 1999, all rights reserved