It is not October, but I wear pink
on my sleeve, shade of rose
for the woman whose 1 remaining
breast will be carved out, incised &
cultured for further study, she
whose smiles never dim in grey spring days
showed me the long stitches running
her chest like burnt roots of an aging tree-
Here-
dead center are the cancer cells
"I don't know when I will be back"
She sways with an easy grace of cherry bloom
I turn to work in my cube, stirred by
currents greater than my small world can imagine-
What if the cure has no more to give?
Does one forsake medicine to live fully to the last breath?
The day stretches as bows unfurling in sudden gust of cold wind
but I am forever changed by
touch of her courage
in the face of a formidable stone-willed foe-
Posted for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Turning Pink ~ In my prior post, I have shared that my office mate will undergo breast surgery next week. Through her story, I am able to appreciate the journey of breast cancer survivors.
Picture credit: here
lovely take on this prompt... My Sis survivor of ten years now... mom of 8... praising God!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who thought breast cancer, but I think yours is definitely better than mine. It just evokes such powerful feelings! Lovely write!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely beautiful...loved how you portrayed the feelings of unease at the thought of breast cancer..!
ReplyDeleteLoved the images that have been painted in this poem... it was very innovative to use the reference of the cherry tree! :)
Lots of love,
Sanaa
God bless all.
ReplyDeleteCancer sucks in every way, a great portrayal at your bay
ReplyDeletenice poem, thoughtful and caring
ReplyDeletemuch love...
The strength to continue is amazing.. when it comes back after all those sacrifices it has to be devastating.
ReplyDeleteDear Grace
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad.... you touch a nerve...
Hugs
JetteMajken
Nice telling of the situation, Grace. We, I for sure, needed this as a reminder of how brave these women are. I am glad for them, though, that they took charge before it was too late.
ReplyDelete..
The pink of this poem is pale and fierce, both the courage and the cancer, the tender beauty within. For me the great contrast is between that bow of pink and the awful tree of scars that points to where the cancer is centered. What can any of us do? Sing of it ...
ReplyDeleteGrace, this is WAY strong. I love this woman's attidude. Your "she of" is a lovely turn of phrase, and her scar - well, that image is almost too real from your words to my mind's eye. I wonder, too, about the dilemma, should I ever face it: What to do? Eschew treatment if it's too advanced anyway? Something tells me I'd rather have time, and some cannabis tea. Thanks for your words. Amy
ReplyDeleteWhat if the cure has no more to give?
ReplyDeletePowerful stuff, Grace.
This is overwhelming .. amazing poetry. Wishing your friend well.
ReplyDeleteA typically beautiful poem on a sombre subject, and full of the love of friendship. I'm saying a prayer for her.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty in such a somber topic. I lost a friend to breast cancer. I pray your office mate will have good results after surgery.
ReplyDeleteYour poem speaks the hard truth about cancer in a strong and meaningful way. I do hope that the cure DOES have more to give. I wish your friend strength and healing and a long life.
ReplyDeleteLovely and sad always I think in that Grace!
ReplyDeleteThis is heartbreaking and amazingly gathered, Grace...you have such a way with poetry and emotions.
ReplyDeleteA sad situation, a wonderful reflection on its difficulties. Thanks, Grace. K.
ReplyDeletemy eyes are prickling with tears. this is stunning and very heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written. My heart is with the women who continue to fight this battle.
ReplyDeleteCancer... maybe it's because I'm getting older but it seems to be everywhere.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written - perfect, the description of her stitches in the shape of an aging tree. I like that you honor her courage. No braver people than those battling cancer. I wish her a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteThis was a tough one, grace but you did it well. I think I'd forsake all the medical crap so I could enjoy my last days…maybe. thank you! And, as always, have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeletethat question in the 3rd to last verse cuts deep ~
ReplyDeleteI just love the ending 😃😃
ReplyDeleteI lost a friend last year because of Cancer. We should keep on fighting the battle by awareness and prevention.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this beautifully written poem.
Whew. I had a scare last year, so this cuts deep. Very well done. Prayers for your friend.
ReplyDelete