INVISIBLE OCTOPUS by Corina Duyn

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.

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The reality of life with the unpronounceable illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is hidden and fragile

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M.E. as Invisible Octopus acting as puppeteer keeping me upright or making me stumble at will

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Inflicting pain challenging my brain its crushing weight taking my breath away

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“Rosie cheeks” “looking well” they say “summer is coming” “happy thoughts will cure you”

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I live in a disbelieving world my reality trivialised dismissed

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My full time carers witness Octopus’ destruction for others I simply disappear into the shadows

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I am just one in this worldwide community of hermits where freedom of movement is no longer a right

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Transcending gravity I fly among the birds Their beauty and harmony uplifting and strengthening

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After a short flight Octopus attacks Pinning me down immobilised

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Each moment is a death Breathe ...

Each moment is a living

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Finding peace in my solitude I observe the dance of the trees There is movement in stillness

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My creative mind the visible thread throughout this twenty-two-year long story Transforming pain into poetry

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‘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

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