Forever Strong Poem by Monica Engeler

When friends see my better part
They think nothing is wrong
You look so happy and strong
How can there be something apart?

Every day I struggle to keep food down
I pray for healing and no sickness
What if a dark shadow clears my illness?
Yet so many sleepless nights and no frowns.

I know deep inside of me I am not weak
I am always looking for better days
There is always hope to enhance my ways
Food gawps at me looking solid yet bleak.

I was normal once and loved to enjoy a meal
My friends would toast a glass of wine
Those times were always happy and fine
My suffering is not in disguise but very real.

I will stand up and be highly seasoned
Gastroparesis will not be my sorrow
Life will go on forever well and tomorrow
Tears will flood my smile for happy reasons.