The Honesty of My Illness

The honesty of my illness

Is not to be compared to others with the same diagnosis.

Is meant to be heard and understood

Is not meant to be a pitty party.

Is so vengeful and disgusting I shelter most from it.

Is reality and is not in my head

Is it is incurable and now is my life.

I know my fellow invisible illness warriors.

You may not look sick.

but I know the strength it took to get dressed today.

You may be laughing.

but I know you slept the past two days to be alert for this lunch date.

You may look like you're enjoying a mid day cocktail.

but I know you are trying to calm your nerves. because your anxiety is about to bust out of you causing embarrassment and emotional pain.

I know you are starving.

but you can't eat much for the fear of choking. or becoming nauseous even if it may be a great meal. Getting sick and embarrassing yourself.

I know.