Bowel Cancer Poems, Prose and Positivity

To start the thread here's part of a poem I wrote last year, soon after I was diagnosed - whilst waiting for surgery. It was circulated within our little local poetry group, where we read famous poems and sometimes write our own. It will probably be my only poetical contribution!

Step Away from the Shadow

1971…

I step into the shadow of yesteryear,

shadow of death,

shadow of fear…

Valiant, vibrant life -

my aunt, just 50 – still young,

still valiant, yet fragile,

fading, fluttering…

At the mercy of Cancer.

At the mercy of an erstwhile era.

2021…

Fifty years on – same diagnoses -

New times – new hope –

fresh chance to survive.

Multitudinous medical miracles:

MRI’s – CT’s – Chemo – Keyhole.

Freedom reigns in this bright new era.

I step out, from the shadow of yesteryear,

Away from death,

Away from fear…

©Annette-F. B. 20/02/21 (Nettie123)

Wow I'd forgotten how beautiful Douglas Malloch's poem was and so relevant to everyone on here.

I was needing to read it today .

The other one that is going through my head my son did for his English exam . It sums up my relationship with hospitals just now . Will look it up tomorrow. 
Take care ,

Court 

I'm not a poet and it's an awful long time since I last sat in an English lesson, but I thought I'd give it a go .....

We never wanted to be part of this club.

The stress, the worry, the sleepless nights.

What if we’d done things differently?

Eaten well, exercised more, been better?

Better citizens, better friends – just better all round.

Maybe, maybe not.

Being part of this club has been hard.

Hard to stay positive (definitely).

Hard to stay cheery (sometimes).

Hard to feel normal (often).

Hard to forget (always – so hard).

But, it’s not all bad

We’re still here – fighting

We’re still here - breathing

We’re still here – laughing

We’re still here – LIVING

Amazing people.

Sharing stories, tips and anecdotes

Helping others who are new to this club.

Living life! 

I love it BlueBlue.

I think you have captured every aspect so well .

Do you write a lot of poetry ?

Looking forward to more !

Court 

Cool poem BlueBlue. It's honest and determined and totally a poem we can all relate to.

Love it.

Cool poem BlueBlue. It's honest and determined and totally a poem we can all relate to.

Love it.

Thank you Nettie.  I've never tried poetry before so it's just a wee first attempt.

Thank you Court.  No, not a poet or writer.  I just fancied giving it a try.  Some verbal doodling on a Saturday afternoon. I don't think the Makar or Poet Laureate need to be too worried though