Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Poem/Haiku–Exposed

Exposed

Stripped bare, unadorned,
vulnerable, and exposed.
No one notices.

*

Who hasn’t felt alone and in pain? We all go through periods when we believe we are unheard and invisible.

The haiku above was written in March of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a lonely time for many of us.

In the late summer of 2020, I suffered an undefined medical event that left me with an array of symptoms. I was in the midst of active asthma, so the cause was not investigated for at least six months. By then, it was difficult to identify.

Therapists said whatever the label, I had an interruption of blood flow to the brain. The neurologist sent me to a renal specialist with a remark in my chart that noted I’d had a stroke. It took a couple of years to recover and learn how to deal with my new normal.

With the exception of my son and then-boyfriend, no one was around. Hence the haiku.

If you are in this position reach out to friends and ask for what you need. And hang in there. As the saying goes, “This too shall pass.”

*Bank of the Fox River, Geneva, IL, 3/12/21

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Poem/Haiku–Exposed”

  1. gustavo_horta

    Estamos mesmo em uma fase de baixa empatia. Triste demais!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Agradeço por reservar um tempo para comentar, meu amigo.

      Reply
  2. Violet Lentz

    Wow. That was a really difficult time. Knowing the details adds so much emotion to the words of the haiku. Thank you for being so candid.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your understanding, Violet. Adding my personal condition was a debate I went back and forth on. Have a fabulous day.

      Reply
    2. Prof.Dr.Eric Haller/Urologist

      ❤️

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    Insightful poem! Great encouragement. Thank you for sharing this time in your life. So glad you’re doing better!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kimberly. I’m in a good place again. I hope you are too.

      Reply
      1. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

        Still recovering from long term Covid. But onward and upward He carries me:)

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I’m sorry to hear that, Kimberly. I hope you find relief very soon.

          Reply
          1. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

            Thank you. Me too:)

  4. kagould17

    What an excellent post Mary. Covid was such a tough time for loneliness and isolation. Many of us are still having trouble getting back to normal. Your photo and haiku are perfect for the time. Hopefully, we all learn how to ask for help when we need it. Have a great Wednesday Mary. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Happy Wednesday, Allan. Thank you for always adding meaningful comments to the discussion. We can find ourselves in positions where we feel isolated, and yet, people are near to help. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. kagould17

        🤗🤗

        Reply
  5. vermavkv

    Nice post.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. vermavkv

        You are welcome.

        Reply
  6. Dawn Pisturino

    I’m so sorry that happened to you, Mary! You are not alone!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. I appreciate your kindness.

      Reply
  7. CJ Antichow

    That must’ve been so frightening for you! I’m glad it passed…and on another note, is the photo the same Fox River as Prison Break has in it’s show? Fox River Penitentiary? Just curious lol, I’m a little obsessed with all things Prison Break right now.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I don’t know, CJ. The Fox River runs from Wisconsin through Illinois and down to the Illinois River.

      Reply
  8. Anonymous

    Such a hauntingly beautiful poem, Mary. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
  9. luisa zambrotta

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful haiku, which resonates with me, and your observations.

    I often feel unheard and invisible.🥀

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Feel my arms around you, my friend. I see you. I hear you.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        Sending you lots of love 💞

        Reply
  10. Jacqui Murray

    Oh my goodness. That is terrible it took so long to recover. Years! I’m glad you’re feeling better even if there’s a ‘new normal’.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jacqui. Your kindness means a lot to me.

      Reply
  11. Kym Gordon Moore

    Mary, I simply love your metaphor and the photo of that lone bench is idyllic. 📸 What you went through tugged at my heartstrings, but your faith and strength helped you to persevere and survive. You’re stronger more than you know, and the help/support you received was icing on top of the cake. Stay well my friend. Hugs and smooches to you! 🥰🙏🏼😘

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my dear Lady Kym. I always feel the love from you. I hope you feel the love I send your way.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Oh Mary, you KNOW I feel the love tonight….in the words of Elton John’s from The Lion King! 🦁 But my dear friend, you are so very welcome and I’m sending a big bundle of love, hugs, and smooches right back at ya ladybug! 😘💖🤗🐞🥰

        Reply
  12. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Mary, your Haiku expresses so well the pain of suffering alone. I’m glad that you were able to get through your medical crisis ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene. I appreciate your kindness and your time to comment.

      Reply
  13. Stephanie

    That’s unnerving, Mary. Not knowing or understanding what is going on with one’s health, at least to the greatest detail possible, is already a very lonely experience. Then to be more isolated with pandemic conditions, hard.

    Your haiku is so real, so hard, still beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You know the struggles when your health is fragile, Stephanie. I have an unusual vascular disease that creates an overgrowth of cells in my arteries, so many are affected including carotids and renal arteries. I do what I can to limit stress, keep blood pressure under control, and maintain a healthy diet. The rest is out of my control, so I enjoy the day. Hugs to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Stephanie

        I can hear a lot of wisdom in what you’re saying, time spent coming to good balances. I’m sorry you have to deal with that, though.

        I love this: “The rest is out of my control, so I enjoy the day.” ❤ Gotta try to keep this with me as I head into work!

        Reply
  14. Escribir Y Sanar

    Mary, this haiku is deeply moving, capturing in so few words the raw essence of loneliness and vulnerability. The personal story behind it makes it even more powerful—it’s a reminder of the silent struggles so many endure. Your resilience in the face of such challenges is truly inspiring, and your message of reaching out and holding on is one that so many need to hear.

    A wonderful, wonderful poem. Sending you a big hug! 🌹💝

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for all your kind words, Madelaine. Your message is important to me and to those who might be in a difficult time right now. God’s blessings on you always.

      Reply
      1. Escribir Y Sanar

        I’m one of those in need of those amazing words. Thank you, Mary. ☺️ Blessings to you aswell 🌹

        Reply
  15. Anonymous

    Hi, Mary,

    I am sorry about your stroke. I hope you are checking your blood pressure.

    Carol

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Carol–thank you for adding your name. I finally have my bp under control. Thank you for caring to ask and to comment. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  16. Kris

    Hi Mary! How is it going? Couldn’t imagine how overwhelming those years for us. **big sigh**

    Those years helped us grow and evolve to the best we can. Per se, it felt like a 360°-turn of events that pushed us to relearn things we thought were under control, which enabled us to embrace the serenity to accept things we cannot change, the courage to change what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, yes, Kris. Life can be heavy but we never know when the weight will be lifted and light shines once again. Thank you for taking the time to offer your input. You are valued here.

      Reply
      1. Kris

        Have a nice day, Mary!

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          You too, Kris. Happiest Thursday to you.

          Reply
  17. P. J. Gudka

    I’m so sorry you went through that, it was tough during the pandemic and a lot of us ended up feeling so alone. And to have to deal with health issues is even more difficult.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, but we can get through all kinds of things, Pooja. I know now how live can be so depressing but if we hang in there, we will encounter amazing, wonderful years ahead. Love to you, sweet friend.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        Yes, humans are so resilient and I think going through the pandemic really reminded us of that. Thanks and love to you as well.

        Reply
  18. johnlmalone

    glad you recovered, Mary and learnt this lovely lesson you shared with us 🙂 love the haiku and that lonely little bench 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for joining the conversation, John. I always appreciate hearing from you.

      Reply
      1. johnlmalone

        that’s lovely, Mary ; thank you 🙂

        Reply
  19. Nancy Homlitas

    The image you used to illustrate your haiku is perfect. Hopefully, the feelings of loneliness that prompted you to write such a moving verse are no longer haunting you. It must have been a frightening time to deal with health issues when medical staffs were stretched thin. I’m glad you recovered, Mary. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nancy. Having recently losing my husband didn’t help, but you know how it is. We learn to keep moving along. Your comments and support mean a great deal to me, my dear Nancy.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        Thank you, Mary. 🙏🤗🙏

        Reply
  20. hubertprevy

    I’m happy, Mary, that you’ve fully recovered and that you are still among us 🙏🙂🫂🍀

    I like your haiku and so wonderfully befitting accompanying photo 👍🌹

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hubert. We humans are resilient. We just have to keep marching on. Thank you for your kindness, my friend.

      Reply
  21. Monkey’s Tale

    It is a very moving poem Mary, and your personal story makes it even more so. The picture as well, put me in the mood of the poem. Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Maggie. Your input is greatly valued. Love to you.

      Reply
  22. Edward Ortiz

    Tough one, Mary. I’m sorry that you went through that, and I pray that God will continue to bless you and keep you healthy. Thank you for sharing. I know it was probably difficult to share this, but I believe that declaring things publicly is helpful sometimes.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. I prayed about how much to reveal, and was a little uncomfortable with it. But there seemed to be a need, especially in tough times like now. We can make it through. Love to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re very welcome, and we are definitely going to make it through, my friend. 🙏🏼

        Reply
  23. Michele Lee

    A timeless poem with a deeply personal story. I am sorry you went through a difficult situation that left you feeling that way, dear Mary. Thank you for sharing and for your loving call to action at the end. 🦋

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, sweet friend. All is good. We just need to ride the waves. Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        That’s it and I love that analogy! 🏄🏻‍♀️ Thank you very much, my angel friend and love to you.

        Reply
  24. mistermaxxx08

    Your words, your soul and honesty who can’t relate and feel the depth and magnitude of your being

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my dear Mister Maxxx.

      Reply
  25. Willie Torres Jr.

    Mary, your strength and faith are truly inspiring. I can relate to a lot of what you shared here on this post.

    I’m so thankful for your reminder that even in times of pain and isolation, God is with us. “This too shall pass” is a beautiful truth, and I’m praying for continued healing and peace for you. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend. Your compassion means a lot to me. All the best to you.

      Reply
  26. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    Your poem felt raw Mary. Sorry to hear about the health issues and hope they are all in the rearview mirror now. Stay strong knowing that Jesus walks beside you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I do know Jesus walks beside me, Ernie, and that makes a world of difference. God bless.

      Reply
  27. sunandabandaraherath

    Nice post

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  28. trudymonti

    Still

    Reply
  29. Alaa Khaled

    Excellent

    Reply
  30. Hazel

    If the pandemic wasn’t happened, I wonder what I do or working now. It impacts to many in different ways.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, it set many of us in different directions than we anticipated. For me, I actually needed the time off. I had been traveling constantly to speak but suddenly couldn’t do that anymore. Love to you, sweet lady.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        There’s always a purpose for everything. It’s all okay. We’re still on the right track, I believe. Sending love back, Mary. Have an amazing day.

        Reply
  31. Garden Bliss

    This was a difficult time and to add a medical challenge must have been very frightening. Thank you for sharing your story and for your strength and compassion, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I always appreciate your input and kindness, my friend. Thank you.

      Reply
  32. Indira

    I appreciate your positive approach, Mary! Take care…all the best!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is kind of you to say, Indira. Thank you.

      Reply
  33. Cindy Georgakas

    Well written and tell telling the times Mary I think we can all relate or another! 💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting, Cindy. When we are young, we think tough times are the state of our lives. As we grow older, we do learn that life is a roller coaster. Have a good day, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        You’re welcome Mary and yes, that;s a great analogy! ❤️

        Reply
  34. Maranda

    That’s the kind of thing I would notice 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. I love you, Maranda.

      Reply
      1. Maranda

        Aw, thanks 🙂

        Reply
  35. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Sorry to hear, but glad you’re over it! Beautiful poem! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit. All’s good now. Love to you.

      Reply
  36. SiriusSea

    Beautifully thoughtful and poignant haiku, Mary ❤ … The photo of winter and lonesome bench makes me want to sit and chat the day away with you. I can’t imagine how you felt and what you had to endure, but your story became even more inspiring! You are incredible and defy earthly logic ~ 😉

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re so cute, Ms. Siri. Thanks for all the love. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a party with all of our blogger friends? Love you!

      Reply
  37. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    An amazing haiku Mary! Thank you for sharing this with us, I so admire your strength.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We do what we need to do, don’t we, Dorothy? Thank you for your kind message.

      Reply
  38. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    Oh, Wow, Mary, this is powerful in so few words! I’ve felt this way before, and I’m sure most people can. xo

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, it’s a part of life, isn’t it, Lauren. I appreciate you taking the time to read, ponder, and comment, my friend.

      Reply
  39. noga noga

    ❤Yes Mary, it is a painful feeling. I wish you happiness and success, my love. 🙏🏼🙋🏼‍♀️💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Nougat. It’s all a part of life. Many blessings to you.

      Reply
  40. Tony

    I agree with you so much Mary! A very beautiful example of great heart, we see it immediately in you, it is in you.
    Thank you for this beautiful energy …
    🙏🏼🙂💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Tony. We keep on going no matter what. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  41. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Glad that you recovered – haiku matches the photo!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        You are welcome!

        Reply
  42. Ɛɭizɑbeth Wiʀsiyⓔⓦ

    You are not alone, Mary! I hope you feel better each day. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Elizabeth. I feel the love and appreciate you.

      Reply
  43. The Introverted Bookworm

    Insightful poem, Mary. Sorry to hear about your health issues; sounds like you’ve been through a lot. My review of your book is going up on my site tonight if you want to check it out. Sending hugs 💜😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. Reviewing my book is very kind of you

      Reply
  44. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    Very powerful poem, Mary. Been there often in mind, body and spirit. Much love and hugs, MM 🙏❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thankyou, MM. Love back to you.

      Reply
  45. Darryl B

    Wow. There’s so many things that can go wrong with us, it’s amazing we’re able to go on day after day. I’m glad you came out of it and I hope your new normal isn’t too bad. Beautiful haiku/pic that captures it all. 😎❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Darryl. We usually can fight our way through things. You’re right about it being amazing how we hang in there. There are so many things that can go wrong, and yet, we’re still here. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  46. Amy

    A beautiful haiku, Mary. It had to take a lot of strength to deal with it. So glad you are better!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I feel better every day, Amy. So hang in there, my friend. Keep fighting for your health.

      Reply
  47. Laura

    I thought I liked and commented on this Mary 🙏 I must’ve dreamt it ❤️ this must’ve been so hard for you at the time, but I know you are such a strong spirit. I’m always here for you if you need anything. Much love to always 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. Your kindness touches me, Laura. The same goes for you–I hope you know that.

      Reply
  48. worldphoto12

    BUONA GIORNATA

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Buongiorno a te. Spero che tutto vada bene per te in Italia.

      Reply
      1. worldphoto12

        INSOMMA

        Reply
  49. jazzytower

    My goodness! That was a lot. “This too shall pass.”A good mantra that will get you through anything. Your haiku stands alone. Your story shows the personal place it came from which made it more relatable. Thanks for sharing
    Oat

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your heartfelt words. All the best to you.

      Reply
  50. jeanvivace

    I am sorry for your hard times you write about, I hope now things are better and stay in that way.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kindness, Jean.

      Reply

I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.