Happy Poem

I came across this poem on a web site for cystic fibrosis and it resonated with me...... have a read

Happy?
How can you ask such a question of me?
Does this disease leave me with feelings of pleasure?
A thousand needles have pricked my skin,
demanding blood
returning poison in the name of health
I've lost friends before I started high school;
said goodbye to loved ones
I met only through their legacies

and you ask if I am happy?

My body betrays me with each breath
sharp stabs to my chest
keep me from bright hopeful dreams
I make decisions you cannot bear to think of
I face ugly truths - you turn your eyes away
blinding yourself with pathetic pity.

happiness is a question asked patronizingly of children

I face my fear every day
raising my sword of defiance and determination
slaying the dragons you didn't even know were there.
I am courageous, I am strong
I have accomplished everything
and paid with my life.

I am joyous, fortunate, fearless
spiritual, solaced, content and loved
don't ask if I’m happy.

By Michelle Compton