“The big C poem” by Michael Bourton
I was kindly invited to share my cancer story with Emma-Jane Taylor on River Radio. I was part of a panel who have experienced life with cancer including Helen Garlick. It was special to share our personal stories and common themes. With us, was a poet, Michael Burton who is part of EJ’s interviews - and who puts his thoughts into poetry. He took our words and emotions from the interview into a poem. He read it out on the show which will be live next week.
Michael also kindly shared his poem with all panelist on email. It brought back my experience and thoughts from my diagnosis in 2017. It brought back memories for me positive and negative.
I have read it in a video and put the words below.
Thank you for your gift Michael.
The big C by Michael Burton
It’s the word we don’t want to hear
The word that makes us go cold
Even the letter C does the same
The thought of not growing old
I know that we are not immortal
And I want to go in my sleep
I don’t want to suffer, is that ok?
I don’t want my friends to weep
And yet it is all around us
With us or someone with know
And part of the challenge is acknowledgment
Of sentiments to show
Of course there are many changes
Treatments and remissions too
It’s not always there to define us
We are people, me and you
So don’t be afraid, I’m still here
And together is not alone
Whatever happens with this cancer
Our lives are ours to own
Life is a journey from beginning to the end to be shared