Poetry is an art form that has been used for centuries to express emotions and convey messages that cannot be articulated through other means. And while poetry can be used to cover a wide variety of subjects, there are certain occurrences in life that are particularly suited to being addressed through the expressive medium of poetry. One such life experience is living with an autoimmune disease such as lupus.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect different parts of the body including the skin, joints, and organs. The symptoms of lupus can vary significantly from one person to another and can include joint pain, rashes, and fatigue. Lupus affects millions of people around the world, making it a widely recognized and stigmatized disease.
Poetry can be a powerful tool for people living with lupus, as it forms an intricate and intimate dialogue between poet and reader that is unique to the art form. Poets living with lupus have used their craft to express their experiences, challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with lupus, and raise awareness about the disease.
One such poet is Jamila Woods, whose 2019 poem "giovanni's flair" addresses her own experiences with lupus and how it has shaped her life. The poem is part of Woods' larger body of work in which she writes about black womanhood and identity. Her poem directly challenges the idea that those living with lupus are incapable, highlighting instead their strength and resilience.
Another poet who has used their craft to address lupus is Denise A. Agnew, whose poem "Lupus" is an emotional and raw exploration of living with the illness. Agnew, like Woods, doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of lupus, but instead marks it as an integral part of her identity.
The themes and emotions that poets living with lupus express through their work are universal. By sharing their experiences, they help to shatter the isolation experienced by many who suffer from the disease. Through poetry, they create a safe space for people living with lupus to feel seen and understood.
One of the most essential aspects of poetry is its ability to challenge the narratives that society weaves around illness. By sharing their stories, poets living with lupus are able to raise awareness about the disease's pervasive nature. They are also able to challenge cultural misconceptions and stigmas around lupus, shifting the public discourse about the illness.
In conclusion, poetry is an essential tool for people living with lupus. Poets using their craft to express their experiences create a platform for dialogue and empowerment. They provide a creative medium to not only share their stories but to educate the public on lupus and other autoimmune diseases. By giving a voice to those affected by the disease, poetry helps to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and offer hope and healing to those struggling with lupus.
To our lupus brothers and sisters, we got you, and poetry got you. Thanks for the meaningful contribution rendered. And keep inspiring us with your courage through your words. May poetry live on in you, as do I? Thanks again.