Plot Twist, But Still Standing

By Katherine Ortiz

The timing is the exact same —

December again, full circle in time,

cancer returning in winter’s hush,

just like December 27, 2010 —

history repeating its rhyme.

Surgery, then chemo,

(which I may still say no),

learning to navigate a journey

I never asked to know.

Just when life was opening wide,

the red carpet rolled beneath my feet —

but I did not fall into despair,

I landed gracefully, steady, complete.

I landed on angel wings, not broken ground,

because God never leaves His children in shock —

He cushions the fall, restores the sound,

and turns the blow into bedrock.

My voice was once silenced, now it is strong,

no better timing than now to arise —

I’ve been faithful to heal what lived deep inside,

so I meet this battle with open eyes.

Cancer, I don’t live by what if,

I live by not me.

I learned to speak up, to stand up,

to fiercely advocate for me.

I am not bowed down.

I am not torn down.

I am not destroyed by this storm.

I am clay in the hands of a master,

pressed, not crushed, being reborn.

And just as December once marked the battle,

this December will mark the close —

what began in winter years ago

will end with a warrior’s rose.

I will not circle this mountain forever.

I was not brought back here to stay.

I returned to claim final victory

and send this chapter on its way.

I am not broken — I am being rebuilt,

into something more radiant than before.

I am beautiful.

I am strong.

I am confident to my core.

I will beat you, cancer.

I will rise.

I will survive — and soar.

Destiny being completed.

Not repeated.

Full circle healing.

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