“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