Bruce Knox is New Zealander who encountered a significant medical complication during a routine ablation.
As part of his overall recovery, he has collected together a range of poetic expressions that I have crafted that tell the story and share some of the thoughts and feelings.
This is a song and the lyrics he wrote:
Verse 1
The dust settled down on a memory’s sting,
Three years passed, but the shadows still cling.
Hypervigilance, a constant, low hum,
PTSD’s whisper, my spirit felt numb.
Verse 2
I sought solace in breaths, deep and slow,
Progressive muscle release, letting the tension go.
Mindfulness whispers, a calming refrain,
To quiet the turmoil and ease the pain.
Verse 3
My boots hit the pavement, a steady, strong beat,
Yoga’s slow stretches are a calming retreat.
The rhythm of music, a song in my soul,
Words on the page, making my spirit whole.
Verse 4
Friends by my side, their hands in mine,
Shared laughter and comfort, a love so divine.
Self-compassion’s embrace, a gentle, soft light,
Acknowledging feelings, both dark and bright.
Verse 5
Sleep’s gentle hand, I learned to pursue,
A schedule is consistent, and dreams are fresh and new.
Healthy food nourished my body and mind,
Leisure’s sweet moments, peace I could find.
Verse 6
Boundaries set, protecting my space,
Keeping the darkness from finding its place.
With the doctor’s guidance, I found my way,
Medications and supplements to brighten each day.
Verse 7
This journey is unique, a path of my own,
The strategies I’ve found are seeds that are sown.
It takes time to heal, to mend and to grow,
But peace will find you if you’re only let go.