Joyeful Eyesight

I’ve never seen anything so beautiful
I’ve never seen anything so beautiful
I’m repeating this statement like Negro spirituals in fields
Because hope lies in the harmony
Trying to restore the harmony
She once knew
When she sang strong songs that seem off key
Maybe off balanced by the extra weight on her chest
She’s off balance
Almost fainted when she found the lump

Doctor conducted an examination
The orchestra was a tragedy
Like Brahm wrote that CT scan
Like Schubert wrote the biopsy results
Doctor offers encouraging quotes
Half empty, half full
Like whole notes and half notes
Tell me how she will feel whole
If her chest is half empty
Self worth half full
She drinks sunshine to replenish her spirit
Feeds herself scripture
Prays and stays faithful

She’s a fighter
Determined to win and not let this claim her
Modeling strength, will, and determination
I’ve never seen anything so beautiful

I’ve never seen anything so beautiful
I repeat this statement like fight songs
As she marches from concern to my arms
Like Selma to Montgomery
Feels beat, out of gas, tears falling, fear hounding her
She won’t be turned back
From believing she’ll overcome this

She takes my breath away
I can’t speak how amazing she truly is
She rubs her hands down my cheek to my throat
Finds a lump
Fingers like a surgeon’s scalpel dance along my chest
Removes my confusion
So I speak how she lives
Past the pain

I want my voice to be as powerful as you
So that when I’m on stage
You’re fighting your stage
I’m radiating eloquence
You’re going through radiation
This stage is my therapy
You’re going through chemotherapy
I’ve lost my patience with people rooted in ignorance
You’ve lost your hair
I’ve never seen anything so beautiful

Some consider it a shame
I consider it a symbol
The first amazons were from Libya
In awe of your resilient stature
I know you’re a warrior
Resolve on your face like war paint
Smile like a battle cry
I’m inspired by the will to survive in your eyes

I hold you in my arms
It’s like holding dawn
Your bald head sets against my chest
Like an evening horizon
I’ve never seen anything so beautiful

Ruling style and fashion like Caesar
D&G glasses, earrings, and a Caesar
My kisses are penance
Your laugh is my redeemer
I hang close so I can catch you if you falter
I’m just a dreamer
Recognize the glory in your makeup
Temp fade and MAC makeup
An Augusta Savage sculpture
Well crafted work of Art
I’ve never seen anything so beautiful

© 2010 Chris “Dasan Ahanu” Massenburg

Pawns of Life......pt.1

Unspeakable speaks:

"I want to make an impact in the lives of each and every person that I meet." I pray this often and it's rare to find me not practicing this on a daily basis. I realize that everyone doesn't ask for this gift but they possess it nonetheless.

I wanted to take a moment to thank the members of my team for the impact they have made in my cancer journey. The pictures that you are viewing are real people, from various backgrounds, experiences, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles. But regardless of these differences, they carry a few things in common; they are the best at what they do; they have a desire to see every patient healed; and they have all blessed my life.

To the women and men serving at the Morris Cancer Clinic (Duke Hospital): I honor you. What you do every day helps people from all over choose life instead of death. You give us a reason to move forward in our lives, to educate ourselves about Cancer, and to endure the process. From the person who cleans the bathroom to the world's best breast surgeon (That's you Dr. Scheri) to the intake staff and nurses, everyone plays an intricate role in the healing cycle of the patient.

I challenge each one of you to remember the impact that you make on your patients everytime your days become long and hard. Remember that you carry in your demeanor hope for the next person to strive to live.

Who is shown:
Ellen, "Ice Pick"and Rick - radiation oncology; Dr. Scheri - my breast surgeon; Priscilla - Dr. Scheri's Nurse; Katie - my private nurse (smile.) Dr. Kimmick's nurse; Dr. Kimmick - my oncologist.

"Only a life lived for others is a life worth while."

Albert Einstein