Most people either know someone or know of someone who has suffered from Breast Cancer. Within my family, in the Navy, and in my business career, I have known several courageous women diagnosed with this horrific disease. All made the decision to undergo surgical procedures from lymph node dissection to a mastectomy. Thankfully, all are survivors over 5 years; the longest post-surgery is 40 years, which speaks volumes for advances in treatment.
The Scar is a poem about meeting someone, falling in love, marrying, being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and seeing cancer not as an end, but as a new beginning. I write poetry about Breast Cancer from my perspective as a male and my belief most men respond in a like manner. The Long Ride is a reflection of The Scar from a different perspective and Walk With Me is a poem of love and a journey to understanding. Rounding out this series of poems is my personal favorite Love Remains True.
The Scar
When first we met,
I marveled at your flawless flesh;
nary a wrinkle or blemish did offset.
Until cancer took your breast,
leaving a scar, obvious as a mountain range
upon your once flawless flesh.
The scar a reminder of what had been
and a symbol, not of an end,
but a new beginning of life again.
The Long Ride
It is not outward appearance
whereby
love does survive
it is inner beauty
takes love
for the long ride
Walk With Me
Walk With Me
What started on our first day
Will stay to the last
Walk With Me
Feel the wind upon your face
No urgency now
A gentle pace
Walk With Me
Along the beach
With golden sand beneath our feet
As the sun dips into the sea
Tears well
Emotions deep
Breathtaking, unable to speak
Walk With Me
Among the trees
The rustle of leaves
The groan of limbs
As wind swirls
Squirrels scurry for protection
Loving arms hold you near
Until an unwelcome presence passes
Away from here
Walk With Me
Through valleys lush and green
Crested by majestic peaks
Covered with ice and snow
A final journey for the weak
A comfort for us below
Walk With Me
As we have
Your hand in mine
Forever through the span of time
Love Remains True
the initial reaction repulsive
depression for the unknown
dissection takes away disease
healing the process of time
the scar a reminder of what was endured
becomes insignificant through understanding
love remains true
"Cancer Survival Rates" indicate the current 5-year breast cancer survival rate for women is 86% and the 10-year survival rate is 76%. These rates include women of all ages and at all stages of cancer. To narrow the statistical figures, the survival rate for women whose cancer has not metastasized, that is whose cancer has not moved into the lymph system or the other parts of the body is 96%.
Strength provides the component for the will to survive. Belief, for many, is the component providing the strength to prevail and overcome. Research and medicine provide the treatments that allow high survival rates, and hope for the eradication of this horrific disease. The future, is in this life.
In This Life
In this life,
I do not lie in darkness,
I am immersed in light.
"Cancer Survival Rates" may be found at: http://www.cancersurvivalrates.net
No matter what you write, someone will love it.
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