A poem I stumbled upon. Called "Chemotherapy". Sounds clinical, but is so much more.

[TheDrivenSnow]

Chemotherapy

by Julia Darling

I did not imagine being bald

at forty four. I didn’t have a plan.

Perhaps a scar or two from growing old,

hot flushes. I’d sit fluttering a fan.

But I am bald, and hardly ever walk

by day, I’m the invalid of these rooms,

stirring soups, awake in the half dark,

not answering the phone when it rings.

I never thought that life could get this small,

that I would care so much about a cup,

the taste of tea, the texture of a shawl,

and whether or not I should get up.

I’m not unhappy. I have learnt to drift

and sip. The smallest things are gifts.

[Hidden]

TheDrivenSnow...

What a lovely poem...Definitely not clinical, I agree! I bought supplies so that I could start painting and among the ideas in my head are to paint "cancer". I think it's great to have a creative outlet when dealing with all of this...This poem is a wonderful example! Thanks for sharing...

Be well,

Lynn

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Hidden]

Lynn, I agree: an outlet of some sort is vital and I think it's great that you've found a way to express yourself creatively. I do something similar: I attend art therapy sessions at the hospice, where we combine poetry and art, a poem being reflected upon during each session and used as the starting point or inspiration, if you like, for a piece of art. We're not out to prove artistic excellence to anyone! We just aim to express ourselves on paper or canvas. It works at a subliminal level...

Keep expressing yourself! And stay as healthy as you can be

[Hidden]

I think this says what so many of us thinks. Thank you for sharing.

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Hidden]

It is raw and real, I agree. I'm glad it resonates with you...

[conniejzirkle]

I love this. thanks!

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to conniejzirkle]

A reflection of reality... I'm glad you find it meaningful...

[Red1246]

Thank you for sharing this. Beautiful! 🙏🏻

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to Red1246]

I was struck by it when I first read it quite by chance. It has taken on renewed meaning just recently... I'm glad it resonates with you...

[Rustysrah]

Yes indeed

[mariootsi]

You said li all so beautifully!

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to mariootsi]

Not my work, regrettably, although I do write poems. I find it compelling...

[LotusAFlower]

It may be all too new for me ... my heart breaks a little bit more after reading this poem ...

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to LotusAFlower]

Lotus, I know exactly how you feel.

I feel it, too.

Like you, I am floundering, bewildered and recalcitrant, in a reality that is relatively new to me.

Like you, I am finding my way each day, wishing each day away.

Like you, I'm screaming "No" inside, though my exterior may be placid.

Like you, I'm hoping against hope that I will be the one to disprove the experts.

Like you, I want this to mean something.

Just like you.

I will not intrude, but message me whenever you feel you need or want to reach out to someone who understands and empathises and - like you - grieves for a future that will not be lived and for the love of others that will not be experienced.

There has to be more. There will be more.

Arms around you.

[LotusAFlower in reply to TheDrivenSnow]

Your words are so poetic and painfully insightful..... thank you for your hug ❤️

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to LotusAFlower]

❤️

[NPmary]

Love this, such a true slice of life.

[TheDrivenSnow in reply to NPmary]

I found it so.

I'm glad it resonates with you, too...

[TheDrivenSnow]

Sandra, this is certainly not what Paul and I had planned for, either. I try to stay buoyant and I joke that I fully intend to stick around for another 20 years at the very least - but who knows...

Stay safe...