Elizabeth Edwards’s Breasts: The Spirit of the Woman

[Sapphire Blue]

Elizabeth Edwards’s Breasts: The Spirit of the Woman
By Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés



I have been thinking about Elizabeth Edwards’ breasts, about her bold life force, about her truly living each day. As I think about her holding her life above the cancer, I think about other heroic women I’ve known who have also, and do also live strong and womanly… with breast cancer.

This is a photograph of my friend, Deena Metzger: she is a healer who lives in California. This picture was taken of her in 1978. It is the first photograph most of my generation ever saw of a woman in a glory of life who’d had a breast removed because of breast cancer. The name of the photo is “Tree” because she had a flowering branch tattooed across her mastectomy scar. She is now a beautiful sensual old woman, this being nearly 30 years later; her tattoo holds, as does her huge womanly spirit.

(snip)

As I was thinking about Elizabeth Edwards’ breasts as I write, I’m recalling another female, a famous one, who still has both breasts; Ann. I thought about the highly unusual and brave call to Chris Matthews’ show by Mrs. Edwards regarding Ann’s remarks about John Edwards. I thought the call was off the wall brave. But more, it was one of the clearest displays that having breasts has nothing to do with being yielding, loving, feminine in the deepest ways. That the breast does not define the depth of womanliness.

Live long and thrive Elizabeth Edwards and all our sisters and brothers who are crossing the water, holding their lives above the currents… Some will say Elizabeth Edwards was making political statements when she called to confront Ann, and that EE was out of her tree… I’d say, Yes. Tree is right. But, ‘out of’ is wrong. Elizabeth Edwards is in just the right tree. In just her right mind.

Tree
I am no longer afraid of mirrors
where I see the sign of the amazon,
the one who shoots arrows.
There was a fine red line across my chest
where a knife entered,
but now a branch winds about the scar
and travels from arm to heart.
Green leaves cover the branch,
grapes hang there and a bird appears.
What grows in me now is vital
and does not cause me harm.
I think the bird is singing.
I have relinquished some of the scars.
I have designed my chest with the care
given to an illuminated manuscript.
I am no longer ashamed to make love.
Love is a battle I can win.
I have the body of a warrior
who does not kill or wound.
On the book of my body,
I have permanently inscribed a tree.

http://themoderatevoice.com/society/education/14266/elizabeths-edwards-breasts-the-spirit-of-the-woman/

[peacebird]

1. k&r - beautiful!

[mzmolly]

2. What a lovely poem.

Thanks sapphire blue.

[DS1]

3. Well, I'm glad I came home to pick something up at lunch

and didn't open this at work - despite the well-meaning intentions of posting the picture.

[insane_cratic_gal]

5. I dunno

I don't see that as a sexualized picture. It's a celebration of life, that just so happens to have a breast exposed. Given the context, I don't see it as sexual at all.

[DS1]

8. neither do I. but for many people, what they think is irrelevent

once a boss sees a tit on screen.

[insane_cratic_gal]

9. I understand that

I know your photographer, and we both frequent the photo boards. So I know you appericate the conceptual aspects, and the beauty of a the black and white photo and composition on a different level.

I just hate the assumptions that your boss and others might make over a bare tit. Especially one in celebration of ones own survival.

It's like seeing a Baby asses running around in sprinklers and someone declaring that as kiddie porn. It's a bare body part that bares no suggestion except if one is comfortable or not viewing it.

[insane_cratic_gal]

4. That's a beautiful sentiment

thank you for sharing it

[Der Blaue Engel]

6. Thank you for posting this

This picture should no more be censored than a picture of a woman breastfeeding a child. (And, yes, I realize we have some individuals here who can't handle that simple beauty, either, without discomfort.)

My mother had a radical mastectomy in 1976, and lived in shame of her body for the remaining four years of her life. Every time I see this picture, I weep...for my mother, who could no longer see beauty there, for the women whose lives have been lost to this terrible disease, and for the fear of it that hangs over my head every day of my life.

Elizabeth Edwards, like Deena Metzger, is a warrior. I wish there was a raised fist emoticon I could add here.

[ThomCat]

7. This is awesome. K&R

:)

[saracat]

10. I will probably be flamed for this but as my Mom had a mastectomy and died from breast cancer I am

not comfortable with this. The choice to embrace the scar is individual and I do not think it is right to associate Elizabeth Edwards with the choice of another woman. This is a private matter. And wether one chooses to "celebrate" the condition is also individual.One choice is no more valid than another.

[Der Blaue Engel]

17. So did my mother

I'm very sorry for your loss, saracat, and I respect your individual response to the picture, even if it differs from mine. No flames, here.

But I have a totally different take on this. The first time I saw this picture I burst into tears (and still do whenever I see it), realizing what utter lies women are told about their bodies, whether whole or not, what disdain we face as women simply for BEING.

I don't think Dr. Estes is wrong to associate Elizabeth Edwards with the strength of the survivor, which is what is invoked by this picture of Dr. Estes's personal friend. Surviving is what is celebrated. Life is what is celebrated.

I'm not "comfortable" with it either, make no mistake. I cringe, I weep, I feel robbed of my mother and wonder angrily why she couldn't have been one of the survivors...and then I feel glad and strong along with the woman in the picture for celebrating her life and giving others hope. I don't think this is a picture that is meant to be viewed lightly.

:hug:

[Katherine Brengle]

11. That photograph is absolutely stunning.

What an unapologetic and amazing figure.

[Forkboy]

12. K&R

Nice post (as always).

[wicket]

13. And another

K & R

:kick:

[Lars39]

14. Thank you for posting this.

The assumption that every woman wants and needs breast reconstruction is a message that I've received from practically every healthcare provider I've met that deals with breasts.
Very freeing to see this woman celebrating her life.

[emilyg]

15. My female surgeon

was horrified that I did not want reconstructive surgery.

[SoCalDem]

20. Not only would i refuse reconstruction, I would want the other one removed as well.

I would prefer symmetry, adn to not have to fuss with prosthetics.. Once they have fed all the babies they need to, they are not all that necessary..to me at least.:)..and if one gets "sick", I'd prefer to take preventative measures for the other one:)

[emilyg]

21. That's my biggest regret

that I didn't have the other breast removed, too.

[AwakeAtLast]

16. If that ever happens to me, I am so getting a tattoo

What a stamp of rebellion against something that can zap the life energy out of you!

Great post! :bounce:

[bigwillq]

18. Great poem.

Great thread. Awesome woman.

Thanks for sharing. :hi:

[undeterred]

19. Elizabeth Edwards’s Breasts inspired me to get a mammogram on time.

[1620rock]

22. That photograph is both beautiful and inspiring.

[AlecBGreen]

23. yeah

GREAT picture. Post it in the photography forum :hi:

-Alec

[blondie58]

24. thank you so much for posting this, Sapphire Blue

what a beautiful and positive statement of life.