I know several people who are dealing with loved ones whose lives have been infected with cancer. To me that is what it is; a contamination, a pollution, a corruption of precious, loved people. I have heard the pain and anguish in their voices, seen the shock and bewilderment in their eyes. It is like a bomb has exploded, everyone involved is wounded, and there is nothing to heal them. Pain and disbelief bleeds from them.
Watching a loved one going through treatments, pain, suffering, and possibly the realization that there will be no future, is the most brutal and heartrendering experience. There may be only one fatality, but there are many mortally wounded souls.
Watching what these people, these friends, have been going through, and what I had once gone through with my grandmother, instilled in the a need to write a poem. And here it is:
NO FAREWELL
I am not ready to say goodbye,
with many more memories to share
together.
Walks
and talks
and laughter.
Shells to gather
vistas to behold.
I want birthdays and anniversaries,
holidays and vacations,
more to fill my heart.
I yearn to share skies
freckled with waltzing stars,
vibrant sunrises
peeking over hilltops,
lofty firs
silhouetted in a stalking fog,
spherical raindrops
jewelling emerald leaves,
vibrant butterflies
dancing in a field of flowers,
and tranquil sunsets
settling to sleep.
It is all more significant,
more memorable shared.
I cannot bid adieu
to you.
I am not ready to say goodbye.
Oh Rose, You've captured the pain of unfinished business. I hate the emptiness of events and sights that will not be shared.
ReplyDeleteAre we selfish?
Maybe. But I'm with you. I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Thank you for your tender words.
Beautiful Rose. You have captured the feelings so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rose! I always "get" your poems. (can't say that for most poems!)
ReplyDeleteMy father-in-law was diagnosed (this month) last year with brain-bone-lung-liver cancer and given 3 to 6 months to live. He's now generating a fever every night so we may get a call any day since he's beat the death sentence by six months now.
I know that Cancer is also big business. There's tons of money made and spent regarding cancer research and drugs. Cancer may be unfinished business with the soul, but cancer is big business in a consumerism and capitalistic society.
I choose to focus on the value of the soul, and never bid adieu, but thank those who have died for what they have taught us about the science and delight of living life. Every cell in our body is precious. Every life on this planet-matters.
We may not see the global connection or understand God's plan. But poems like this, make the misery so beautiful!
"Lofty firs silhouetted in a stalking fog, . . ." Wowzer! You rock! Brilliant poem, my dear.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, Rose. That last line is so simple and yet so poignant.
ReplyDeleteFrom my cousin, Carrol Ohlsen:
ReplyDeleteLoved the poem, you have the gift of words that people feel but don't know how to express themselves. Thanks for that. I knew I was related to smart people! I also watched the interview of your Dad's. It was good to see him. I will have to go out one day to the fly field when I stop and see your folks as I travel through. Thanks again for your blog. Carrol