Whisper beneath the skin https://anitatalkcom.wordpress.com/2025/05/24/whisper-beneath-the-skin/
Whisper beneath the skin
(An original poem by Dr. Anita Khokhar, M.D.)
Daughter:
Maa, why are you standing there so still,
Holding your chest—are you feeling ill?
Mother:
No, my dear, just thinking deep,
Of lessons I’ve been slow to keep.
It’s time you heard this little tale—
About breast health, and why we mustn’t fail.
Daughter:
But I’m so young, why should I care?
That’s for grownups—with silver hair.
Mother:
That’s what I thought too, back in time,
Until a lump made health decline.
It wasn’t pain, just felt quite odd—
A silent thief, under façade.
Daughter:
A lump? Like swelling?
Mother:
Yes, a small one there,
No hurt, no fever, just a scare.
But early checks helped save the day,
And I’m still here—that’s why I say:
Touch and see, once every month.
Know your breasts, it’s not a stunt.
Feel for change—be it lump or dent,
Skin pulling in, or nipple bent.
Daughter:
Can’t we just wait till we fall sick?
Why poke and prod? Isn’t that too quick?
Mother:
No, child—listen well and see,
Prevention is life’s best guarantee.
Breast cancer hides in quiet ways,
But early caught, it rarely stays.
If you find it soon, the fight is fair.
With treatment, love, and doctor’s care.
Mammograms help those who are older,
But self-checks make the young grow bolder.
Daughter:
And what about those who don’t know how?
Or those in villages, what happens now?
Mother:
Ah, that’s where help comes to the door—
Through health staff trained to do much more.
ASHAs and nurses at PHC,
Work to screen both you and me.
They come with care, and speak with grace,
Teach self-checks at your home place.
Camps are held, advice is free,
A simple check can change destiny.
Daughter:
And if I find a change one day,
Whom should I trust, what should I say?
Mother:
Go to a clinic, speak up loud,
Your body’s voice should make you proud.
There’s no shame in seeking care—
Your life’s too precious not to dare.
Be it district hospital or mobile van,
There’s help today in every plan.
Don’t wait for pain or bleeding sign,
Just follow up and you’ll be fine.
Daughter:
What causes it? Is it the food?
Mother:
Not just food, though diet’s no good
If filled with sugar, fried and fat.
Lifestyle plays a role in that.
Being active, keeping weight in line,
Not smoking, drinking—all divine.
These habits lower risk by far,
And help you be the star you are.
Daughter:
Can men get it?
Mother:
Yes, they can.
It’s rare, but real—it touches every clan.
No one’s spared from this alarm,
So every heart must stay from harm.
Daughter:
You’ve taught me more than books have said,
It’s like a lamp lit in my head.
Mother:
Then spread the light, my girl, don’t stop—
Let knowledge flow from shop to shop.
Teach your sisters, teach the boys,
Health is power, not just noise.
In buses, fields, or college halls—
Awareness rises as silence falls.
Daughter:
We’ll start a club, just small and neat,
And talk each week on every street.
On radio, or WhatsApp group,
We’ll share these tips with every troop.
Mother:
That’s how change begins, my dove—
With courage, care, and boundless love.
You’ve made me proud in every way—
Our health begins with what we say.
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