The Woman in the Moon Face

Summary

The poem "The Woman in the Moon Face" reflects on the emotional and physical journey of a woman grappling with the chronic autoimmune condition pericarditis and its impact on her identity and daily life.

Abstract

The narrative poem "The Woman in the Moon Face" delves into the personal struggle of a woman dealing with pericarditis, a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the heart. Over the course of six months, she experiences a transformation marked by physical changes, particularly the swelling of her face due to medication, and an internal battle with her altered self-image. The poem captures her awakening to the relentless symptoms that dominate her existence, the confrontation with her reflection that no longer aligns with her past identity, and the longing for a time when she felt healthy and carefree. Despite her attempts to reconcile with her new reality, the woman finds solace only in dreams of normalcy, highlighting the profound psychological toll of living with a persistent health condition.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of entrapment and helplessness in the face of chronic illness, as the woman is unable to escape the constraints imposed by her condition.
There is a palpable disconnect between the woman's current reality and her memories of a happier, healthier past, which is accentuated by the contrast between her current appearance and the image of her former self.
The poem suggests that the woman's condition has not only altered her physically but also emotionally, as she is described as weary from the morning's trek, indicating the daily struggle and exhaustion that accompanies her illness.
The use of celestial and space exploration metaphors hints at the author's view of the woman's journey as an unwilling astronaut navigating an alien landscape of illness, with her medications acting as a protective yet cumbersome spacesuit.
The woman's reluctance to accept her new appearance points to a broader societal expectation of beauty and the challenges faced by individuals whose bodies change due to medical treatment.

A pericarditis poem

Palpitations reverberate her ribs Tremble. Thump. Squeeze. Tremble. Squeeze. Staccato rhythms ricochet to her skull Throbbing. Pulsating. She awakens

Brain awash in a celestial haze she levitates with caution drifting to the vanity mirror “Good Morning,” she sighs to the Woman in the Moon Face

Half a year since the voyage began Launched into orbit by an autoimmune flare She tried to abort the mission but there is no dousing the combustion of chronic illness

Disease incarcerates her heart Unrelenting gravity constricts her core Shallow breaths through concrete Each gasp measured to preserve oxygen

Countenance circumnavigated by treatment Her once lean expression now eclipsed Medications store plump reserves of blubber encapsulating like a spacesuit

The image on her home screen taunts A brighter, joyful time Two years earlier thin, carefree, euphoric flanked by her sons beneath the Grecian sun

Averse to comprehend this alien reflection Reluctant to accept the morphed figure as her own The morning’s trek has made her weary

She retreats to her bed chamber and dreams of normalcy