Exploring Fragile: National Poetry Month

Most of us have times in our lives when we feel fragile. Some of those are more serious and life-altering than others. Today I'm pleased to introduce Carmen Graber, 8th grade language arts teacher and poet.

Fragile

“easily broken, shattered, or damaged”

never would I have used this word

in conjunction with me or my life.

But one phone call

one word - cancer-

broke my soul

shattered my reality

damaged my world.

I collapse;

my breath stolen from me.

Gasps of fear

bursting colors of emotions

explosions of words and questions.

I feel broken, shattered and damaged:

fragile.

How can I go on?

Can I go on?

How can I face others?

How can I let them see me as fragile?

A whisper of air

A tremor of strength

A flow of love.

The ultimate showing of trust-

allow those you love to see you vulnerable - fragile.

A hug, a hand, a word-

not from pity,

but from love, concern, and hope.

I am not alone.

I am not broken.

I am not shattered.

I am not damaged.

I AM NOT FRAGILE!

Together, we are stronger than cancer!

~carmen graber

How would you define "fragile" for yourself? How has poetry or art helped you overcome your fragility? Feel free to leave a comment for Carmen below and share this poem with anyone who is feeling fragile. Thank you, Carmen, for allowing me to post your powerful poem.