NO ONE KNOWS 'TILL I DISCLOSE

NO ONE KNOWS ‘TILL I DISCLOSE.



I have a stoma on my side


but I will not retreat or hide.


I see no need to expose it


no one knows ‘till I disclose it.



My stoma is just purposeful


and I must live life to the full.


I make the most of what I’ve got


thus, I enjoy my life a lot.



I don’t let things get in my way


So get the best from every day.


Mine’s a positive attitude


which leaves me lots of latitude.



My stoma does not interfere


and neither does my stoma gear.


There is no point to fuss with it


for everyone must have to shit.



Yet very few will share with you


the ins and outs of their own poo.


So why would those with stomas say


how and when they poo each day.



It’s not that people want to know


or if they did they’d let it show.


But if and when there’s interest


I will explain, or do my best.



So if the subject does arise


it will not take me by surprise.


I know my stoma inside out


and can explain what it’s about.



So though the stoma’s part of me


I live my life and I am free.


I will not tell until disposed


so no one knows ‘till I disclose.



B. Withers 2013

Hi Bill,

It's great to see your positive attitude shining through your words. I'm sure you'll find plenty of support and understanding from the large community here. Everyone's journey is unique, and it's wonderful to see you embracing yours with such confidence.

Your poem beautifully captures the essence of living with a stoma without letting it define you. It's true that not everyone needs to know unless you choose to share, and it's empowering to have that control. I think many here will resonate with your perspective on living life to the fullest despite the challenges.

Joining this website was one of the best decisions I've made. The support and shared experiences have truly changed my life for the better. I hope you find the same sense of community and encouragement here.

Just want to thank you, Bill. I'm not a literary scholar, but I recognize creativity, well-written thoughts, and enjoy the poetry. For those of us who took the time to really read your stuff, we're greatly rewarded. You said a whole lot more than one might think in this verse. Thanks for sharing your skill and wisdom.
Mike

Hello iMacG5. Thank you for your post. I really appreciate the feedback on these verses from people who know about the subject matter. It's not as if there is a wider audience out there that might be interested in these sorts of things so comments from people who know and understand become that much more pertinent.I too am not a literary scholar. Indeed it was really hard for me to start writing rhyming verse partly because I was not over enthusiastic about that style of writing and partly because I was well aware that it has a limited appeal to others as well. As for the 'skill and wisdom' bit. I am still trying to acquire the former and the wisdom is what I gain from reading and listening to what others are saying about the problems they experience and manage in their day to day lives. The rhyming verses are often an attempt to capture what other people have expressed so well in their own blogs and forum discussions so most of the credit must go to them. I only try to make it rhyme!!Best wishes Bill

Thank you for the post. I just had mine done in September and actually feel guilty about it like I've done something wrong. This was well done!

Hello cancernomore. Thanks for the comment and appreciation of the verse. Guilt is one of those more 'interesting' emotions in that it is sometimes hard to ascertain exactly where it comes from and where it is going.The one thing we know about emotion is that it is the polar opposite of 'logic'. Hence there is often no logical explanation for guilt. Mind you, that won't stop the psychologists/psychiatrists (and others) pontificating on what they think it is and how they can 'cure' it. Like other emotions guilt is probably an 'instinctive' reaction over which we have very little control at the beginning. However, once we start using 'logic' and thinking it through the instinct gets transformed into a more rational reasoning We then begin to understand that there was nothing really to feel guilty about as there was no blame to lay and no fault to be found. These types of conditions are not usually self-made and the unfortunate consequences such as a stoma are therefore not something to be ashamed of or to feel guilty about. Sometimes logical conclusions take a bit of working at before they can overcome and neutralise negative emotions. However, with your description of yourself as having been strong and independent I feel sure that it will not take long before you are back that way again. Best wishes Bill

How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Great poem and very wise. I rarely disclose, it's private.

Hello Picasso. Thanks for letting us know that you appreciated the poem as this sort of information is important in helping me to know that there are people who still read this stuff. It's even more helpful to know that there are some folk's who actually enjoy them. Best wishes Bill