“يمكن للمرض أن يقعدك عن الحركة أو يشعرك بالألم المبرح أو يحرمك من الراحة أو يمنعك من مزاولة عملك أو حتى الجلوس في مكانك وأنت مرتاح لا يؤرقك شيء، ولعل مواجهة هذه الأمور كلها واحتمالها ممكن بفعل الدواء والمسكنات، إلا أن الأشد من ذلك هو أن المرض يضعك في مواجهة ضعفك الإنساني وهشاشتك، مواجهة نفسية ليست كمواجهة الضعف الجسدي بالعلاج. والأهم بعد التعافي الجسدي أن تتعافى من هذه المواجهة أيضاً”
“It was a toxic suffocation from the beginning. But I chose to ignore it. The warning signs were there, blaring words telling me to get out and protect myself before anything happened. But you calmed me. You spoke to the demons that haunted me and chased away the anxiety that plagued my body. You made me so certain that, this undefined relationship we shared was something that had long breached friendship and was simply clambering around for more. Our hugs would soothe me even after the most tumultuous day and you would whisper how nice it felt to be wrapped in familiar arms that felt like home. That statement boggled my mind and made me understand why everything with you was alright. Everything was calm, nothing hurt and I felt like I could take on the world. Except you didn’t feel like home - you were home.
Home without a warning home packed up and left. Moved to the other side of the country and left me to fend for myself, if that was possible. Home took my strength as it found another occupant who publicised their new residence as I watched home from a distance finally feeling like what I’d become. I was homeless but my home was still there but caring for someone else. That when the demons returned. Except these were new and constantly reminded me of the home I had lost. Reminded me of exactly what the perfect tenant should have been like. It was my fault that I no longer had a home and even now the pain still eats away at me as I close my eyes and try to forget the comfort and safety I was provided before I let it slip through my fingers. If I had noticed what was happening I would have help on harder, fought harder to keep that sense of belonging with me.”
“I don’t recognize myself anymore
Maybe that’s a good thing
Because I don’t think
I ever want to go back
To who I used to be.
But it’d be nice
To look into the mirror
And know the person
Staring back at you.”