The Letter Exchange

A Poem - Something I wrote early on in my diagnosis which helped me process my fear.

Dear Body,

I see you being you

So strong and happy

It's time for me to be seen

I need to be heard

Unaware of my being

You go about your business

Until one day you notice me

And life all of a sudden becomes absurd

I'm the dark cloud hovering above

Haunting even your fondest moments

Filing your mind with doubt

That, I give you my word

You may want to fight

But I am strong and aggressive

It will take an army

Good luck to you and your herd

Yours truly,

Cancer

...

Dear Cancer,

How dare you show yourself

You were not invited

Who asked you?

I don't want you here

But now that you are

I'll meet your strong and aggressive

And I'll raise you powerful and fearless

Even if I have to shed a tear

You may take some dignity

You may take some peace

But I will gain those back

My herd and I will make you disappear

I look forward to seeing the back of you

The day I can say I'm free

And that day will come

And that I could not be more clear

Up yours,

Body

Written by Rhiannon in 2023.