This poem was recently sent to me by a woman whose husband was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. I think she has done a beautiful job of summarizing what many of us have emotionally experienced in an oncology ward.


Oncology

In this place of tiles and cubicles
We are one of many holding up hope.
We inhabit souls of warriors
Who stand resistant to death.

Our Fear overshadowed by courage
Courage holding the word rage.
So as the poet said…….
'do not go out into the dark night…

We come into the light, rage-full
Vessels of humanity to be filled.

With hope, open to chance - possibility
That winds of courage and rage will fill our cancer torn-sails
Allowing us – patient and caregivers
to rise above crushing waves
Of statistical despair…..



Ellen April 21.2010