Invisible Octopus
by Corina Duyn
“Here
is a poem, a story, an animation, of a life triumphant under the weight of a debilitating illness M.E., of a woman whose words are her lifeline, an inspiration to others.”
Dolores Ronayne, Poet.
The reality of life with the unpronounceable illness
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is hidden and fragile
M.E. as Invisible Octopus acting as puppeteer keeping me upright or making me stumble at will
Inflicting pain challenging my brain its crushing weight taking my breath away
“Rosie cheeks”
“looking well” they say “summer is coming”
“happy thoughts will cure you”
I live in a disbelieving world my reality trivialised dismissed
My full time carers witness Octopus’ destruction for others I simply disappear into the shadows
I am just one in this worldwide community of hermits where freedom of movement is no longer a right
Transcending gravity
I fly among the birds
Their beauty and harmony
uplifting and strengthening
After a short flight Octopus attacks Pinning me
Finding peace in my solitude
I observe the dance of the trees
There is movement in stillness
My creative mind the visible thread throughout this twenty-two-year long story
Transforming pain into poetry
‘Invisible Octopus’ started off as narration to a puppetry film during a mentoring opportunity with Dr. Emma Fisher, funded by Arts & Disability Ireland Connect Scheme 2019. The publication of the poem received the support of a Professional Development Artlinks Bursary 2020. The shadow puppetry imagery highlight further the stark reality of life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E).
A reading of the poem by Corina is available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nXlq4QiR11c
To read the Spanish, German, Dutch and French translations of the poem visit: https://corinaduyn.blogspot.com/2020/11/with-help-of-friends-my-invisible.html
Limited edition: ©️Corina Duyn 2020
To read more about ‘Invisible Octopus’ visit: https://www.corinaduyn.com/site/invisible-octopus-video-poem
For more about Corina Duyn’s work and life see www.corinaduyn.com
Designed by David Murphy - www.redheavendesign.com