Hope

Never give up on hope.

hope is the last eye lash left
when you are bereft of
all other hair on your head
when it died overnight
after the second chemo
did its best

when you stare at your
reflection in mirror glass and
don’t recognize yourself
because the cancer has
invaded every part
of your body

so you take your mascara
from your cosmetic purse and
with its wand you build up
layers to give some
definition

to that one lonely lash
because surrender
is not a word that resides
in your dictionary

Reviews

[Stuart Munro]

Great poem Chris , I’ve been lucky , I’ve just got a chemo cut , or crew cut , so I’m looking Government normal , in fact it suits me ,
Hope your ok , nice to hear from you again , this poem is giving me strength and support while I have cancer , have a great day

[Chris Shaw]

I did my spell of chemo a long time ago Stuart. You never forget it. Keep going. Pleased you enjoyed the poem and have a good day yourself. All good here. Take care of yourself.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Oops my manners!! A big thank you for checking in :)

[Stuart Munro]

I’ve done 12 sessions , Chris , now I’m having a next week scan , to see what’s going on , fingers crossed
So maybe a rest from it , all the best Stuart ,

[Chris Shaw]

Good luck !

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Chris

[EshaA]

Very well written Chris. Beautifully penned

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much EshA for your encouragement. All good wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... as we age, we wink and smile... through all the Seasons...
However, when Autumn arrives the leaves are tinted Gold around the edges. We curl up on a Hickory Tree and hear the Chapel Bells with a renewed sense of Wonderment. softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Hello dear Pat thank you for your lovely poetic review. I googled the hickory tree because it’s not one that I am familiar with and I wanted to know more. The symbolism of the hickory is interesting. You have such a wide knowledge on birds, trees and flowers. I love that. Sending you the warmest of good wishes across the pond.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... all the wishes and all the prayers have become healing songs that become Sonnets for every Sunrise. Praise and Glory... Amen... Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Nothing more than you deserve dear Pat. Here we are in November already. How quickly the time clock moves. Take care of yourselves.

Chris

[ROSALIND]

Sad .very emotional moving has a certain vunablity about it

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Rosalind for stopping by to share your thoughts. Both welcome and appreciated.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Wonderful expression for all the women everywhere who pass through with the touch of this terrible disease
;-

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear friend. Appreciate so much your kind and understanding words. All the best.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Cancer had took a lot of good people from me. Your poem today dear Chris. Is a reminder. We must ensure the people in the fight of their life. You keep them company. Thank you dear friend for sharing the powerful poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. I too have lost family and many friends. My journey luckily has had a more positive outcome. Your encouragement is very much appreciated. Have a good Wednesday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I find a lot of bravery in this poem Chris; some people with this terrible disease just give up, but this person you describe, even with one eye lash left has the s=courage and the want to keep her pride....beautiful write Chris
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Betty, your thoughtful review is much appreciated, as is your encouragement. Have a happy Wednesday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris, I must catch up now, been away a long time!
Warmly, B

[willweb]

What a beautiful thought of, like the title says, hope. You have captured this emotion well my friend. I loved this.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this write will. Many thank yous for your encouragement and kind words.
read moreSo pleased you enjoyed this write will. Many thank yous for your encouragement and kind words.

Chris

[jaye river]

very moving and brilliantly done. hope is the most powerful tool we have as humans. to go through something so physically draining and know no surrender is a true testament to mental strength. as fiona apple said "there's no body to batter when your mind is your might"

[Chris Shaw]

Your encouraging review lifts me jaye river. Thank you so much for your valued visit.

Chris

[Neville]

This is one of them poems that stands out from so many .. it has everything .. and having seen the beast so many times myself, I have nothing but respect and admiration for all those who endure the various ravages of it and also, from the various treatment interventions introduced to help be rid of it .. So many of my own friends, too many to list here but including both my baby brother & my wife who are recent survivors, are I believe, still here because they clung on to hope .. I also admire and respect your writing ability to convey such feeling as you have done here .. If I had favouwrites, then this would surely be one of them. Have a Terrific Tuesday.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville for an encouraging review. I think it is just as hard for the loved ones who have to stand by and watch, helpless. Have a good Tuesday.

Chris