I have continued to write poetry over the years. Since my self-published book of poetry Pine Cones and Small Stones in 2014 I have written at least enough for a sequel, but I haven't decided what publishing route to take with that yet.
I have decided to write some poetry focused on cancer, and I intend to submit it to the League of Canadian Poets for publication soon. I have tried to give the both the fearsome nature of cancer and how each new day feels precious in Stage 4. Your comments would be welcome: this is what I have so far:
Death row
Waiting for the ax
To fall – cancer hides
and slinks
Just behind the door
You have cancer
Cancer
Cold grey iron foe
Lurking – hiding
Hide-and-seek monster
Face of darkness and
dismay
Pale bloodless skin of
death
Hair the color of
cremation’s fire
Wearing a long black
cloak
To smother each victim
Sexless – neither male
nor female
Outside time and space in
this universe
Hide and seek
Cancer – sinister
Now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t
Evil incarnate
Heal then thrive
Wind and oak whisper
Cherishing the mistletoe
Mystery healer
Choosing life and hope –
survive
Thrive – each new day a
blessing
Here is some black humor for you. With all this radiation I should really shine, just like ABBA in Super Trouper:
"shining like the sun
smiling having fun
feeling like a number one"
The last line is still true, because I refuse to give in to dark thoughts of fear or gloom. I love the fact that belief in healing is a mighty source of strength. Quite often belief is the most potent healer available. And belief now has scientific credence. For example, see if you can find this book in your local library: The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, PhD, Hay House 2008.
