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By William Laferriere Dedicated to David and all the wonderful folks at Harmony and Healing In the existence of all is found a rhythm and a pattern. Thus we consciously find ourselves deeply embedded within a cosmic, rhythmic universe. Everywhere we look viable rhythms discern. They’re found in all the patterns moving through the associated dimensions of time and space. It is there as the seasons cycle, in the migration of birds, the oceans’ tides, and waves, the rivers’ rolling to the sea, the waxing and waning of the moon, the fruiting, harvesting and dying of plants, the birth, development, and death of all sentient beings. Musical rhythm, in its myriad manifestations, has served us well throughout time. It is believed to have originated during the middle Paleolithic Period, dating back some 50,000 years. It’s evidence depicted by the dancers of ancient cave sketches and unearthed primordial instruments. This rhythm has long been recognized as such a powerful tool, known for uplifting one’s spirit, for evoking a multitude of emotional responses. It may relax or stimulate. Or lend itself to heal. Today rhythm is credited with improving medical outcomes and life quality, in multitudinous ways. Listening to music can reduce the anxiety associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. it can quell nausea and limit vomiting for those on the receiving end. Overall, music therapy may decrease pain recognition, thereby reducing the amount of required meds. It can relieve depression, and give one a sense of control.

By Sara Kandler a jog through amber scented woods brings me back home to circle the driveway arms angled like bony angel wings I relish this stroll the breath the slow shoulder roll but today my sore chest caves in a rush of salt tears it’s been so many years since I witnessed my mom’s elegant form so deftly pared a ribbed Rodin figurine I was only 13 scared my own body just awakening legs extending toward unknown pathways now her eyes follow me while I run for miles tell me to smile as I wince sing as I rinse my face or the dishes and write poems til 2 like Judy did her arms glazed in sea green and cobalt blue colors running together to create something new we share this, too Related Poems You Will Love I Bloom With Grace , by S helley Caruso I Saw Love , by J une Chapko After Cancer Me , by M eagan Miraldi Run , by Sara Kandler Cloudy , by Heather Lockerman I'm Still Me , by Julie Gaughan Spink Truth at the time of a breast cancer Dx by William Laferriere

By Brookshire McDonald With winter and Co-Vid All creeping behind, We’re emerging daily With Spring in mind. The calendar reveals April is before us now. It’s “Write a poem month,” So I’ll begin somehow. It’s such an awakening After all the blight To hear the birds singing And to feel the sunlight. I know some gave up resolutions They did make; But there are plenty of hours For some to retake. It’s time to be kind to yourself And to others, too. Spring can be a wonderful Outlet for you. Look around each day As the moments go on Miracles you’ll see If you get off your phone. Take time to say A kind word or two. Lend a hand To more than a few. If nothing works, a smile shared Will make someone’s day Even if not a word You do say. So get busy; go ahead; The limit is the skies You’ll see miracles come Right before your eyes!

By William Laferriere A sacred space Archeologists discovered that resident on the proscenium arch found above ancient Greek altars is detailed a brilliant free-floating eye one that looks out to the congregation as it looks back at the inner sanctum And what of that sanctum is sacred and what of it is profane Its but a private place a secret space to which few others are admitted Have you found that space Is it non ordinary in the way Of time and space Does it allow for transformational experience Does it provide relief, release, respect, regeneration Can you tune into your breath And focus simply on just that And cultivate mindfulness.

By Brookshire McDonald My mother always said A sister for me would never be. I didn’t know at the time My dad had had a vasectomy. Fast forward To a two time diagnosis of breast cancer Followed by a support group Which held the answer. I gained a large group of sisters The very first day; And I love each of you In a very special way. My mom has died And can look down to see she was wrong While counting all the sisters To whom I belong. I feel looking down She’s happy as can be, As I attained What she couldn’t provide for me. Pardon my adding a gaining sisters Anniversary To this event Though no formal invitations Really ever got sent. The honorees are present Among us tonight As I celebrate gaining sisters With much delight. Happy Anniversary And Happy Soirée, too To each of you Who made my dream come true!

By Sara Kandler Powder pink ribbons clipped to my daughter’s hair? No, a pale loop would be lost among her free-flung chocolate curls her spirit that of brazen girls announcing themselves in loud colors and sassy words I dressed her in stretchy pants that ripped when roughed along the rocks or tore when tugged into splits on smooth wood floors she was free to explore And she was tough fell asleep one night sitting upright in our bed arrow-straight like a Degas dancer bronze head tilted in defiance of the nonsensical concept of bedtime Ok, I’ll admit she did have a pink phase at about age two rejecting her older brother’s hand-me-downs had me running to the thrift shop so she could twirl in a rose tutu and bubble gum turtleneck her own sensory jubilee Nowadays we walk together stand tall yell out our call about time for a cure not in cotton candy pink but orange and purple swirl We march for Courage her coppery arms beseeching the sun as she balances on tip-toe atop an Algarve ledge a scalpel’s edge high above crashing waves And yanks off the pink rubber bracelet like the hindering hospital ID band that was clipped to her wrist just days before casting it far far as she can past the menacing rocks out to the open sea.

By Dawn Oswald Scans Why do we get them? Is it to help stay alive? Scans do not lie Scans are important Don't delay today It might take all day, but you're worth it and so I'm I Order that scan Skip 1, skip 2 No, skip none Scans Do not fear Don't get scan anxiety The Scans can be good or bad Whatever they are you deal with it then Don't worry about the scan results Let your doctor tell you Scan today Scan tomorrow Scan 1 Scan 2 Get that scan Don't let scan anxiety get you

By William Laferriere Soren Kierkegaard once posited “There are two ways to be fooled, One is to believe what isn’t true, The other is to refuse to believe what is true.” The truth can be a glorious, fulfilling, and beautiful thing. It can also be inglorious, scary, and ugly. So when do you want to know? When should you be told? How should the truth be explained? And who should explain it? Who to believe? Words have meaning, words have consequences. “You have breast cancer,” Are words that hit hard. A verbal blow to the psyche. Obnoxious, disgusting, frightful, and Forever life changing. The result is a lifelong battle. One that requires you to arm yourself With knowledge and community. Know what to ask. Know who to ask. Know how to ask. Know when to ask.

By Dawn Oswald Love Yes, Please Love in the morning Love in the afternoon Love in the evening I will take love all day Love for me Love for you Who doesn’t want a little love? More love, please Love is great Love is special Love is what we all need Love is in the air Love is all around us Show someone love today Don’t push it off till tomorrow Love more, not less Love a friend A family member It doesn’t matter if they are pink, white, black, or brown Make that love connection Love is not perfect Love is sweet Love can be sour But most of all love is you, you are special Love more please Love me for I love you

By Sana-Shine I sit here alone, In the ebony of night, With the glow of the silvery pearl, My only source of light. The silvery ribbons of moonlight, Weaved into my hair. The soft dews of the glow, Penetrating into my flesh. All alone I sit, With no way to cope, My mind ponders, To the things done long ago. People I had called friends, People I had treasured deep in my heart As their faces appear, I feel the knife stab into my soul. The tears sting my flesh, They burn through my skin. All this time I had thought that, They were really worth it. In the glow of the silvery pearl A place in time I see. Time may pass on, But memories they linger on forever, And the heart never forgets, The pain it had felt. Perhaps to some I am but a mystical dreamer Lost in the world. Alone am I? Out in this silvery moonlight, Trying to survive in everyday life.

By Heather Lockerman clouds float in our minds, softly and slowly drifting around until they mix and blend, becoming one Connect with Heather on Instagram: @sunshinehopeheart

By Sara Kandler For the children and teachers slain in Uvalde, Texas, and their heartbroken families. I’m working on goodbye its incarnations and stages how at first I do not cry but feel release even smile inside welcoming the stillness the end and the beginning Now it’s the unraveling thumbnails digging beneath a thick orange peel spiraling toward infinity suddenly a skid skin tears time’s up the calm sectioning then rinsing of my sticky fingers because that’s what one does complete the task at hand stay the course make the calls line up the belongings pass through doorways barely noticing the arc of the sun the dimming sky and the deepening heartache of a brand new strain of loneliness

By June Chapko Cancer doesn’t care if you’re young or old, Cancer doesn’t care at all. Feeding on the weak, even on the strong, Wreaking much havoc, sinister and cold. Cancer doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, Cancer doesn’t care at all. It takes what you have, and crushes you down, Stealing and robbing, still looking for more. Running rampant, making chaos of lives, Cancer doesn’t care at all. But blind to power, much greater and sure, A strength overcomes as earthward it dives. His hand reaches down, right down to our core, Our Father God cares, He cares for us all. He touches our soul, with a love divine, To make us survivors, forevermore.

By William Laferriere Do we not live our lives Hoping for a time when things get resolved? But does that time ever arrive? Isn’t that part of the irony? Like Occam’s razor That irony is that we stand on the ledge All of the time, And we are never truly comfortable. What should we do? What is right and what is wrong? What is rational vs. irrational? Are we always to be on the brink? I have previously maintained That the answer lies within, So go to the mirror, And acknowledge yourself. For you, and I, are Beautiful and seeking… And attempting to resolve Just what has happened.

By Dawn Oswald As I sit here waiting for the news in the doctor's office I stare out the window trying to occupy my mind I see the planes They look small, but mighty As I continue to watch I see one take off The Plane is flying free I want to be that Plane Free from anxiety Free from fear Free from all the worries Can I fly free? As I become that Plane I can see the water below me Water of hope I see the mountains Mountains of faith I see wildlife God's creation As I continue to fly it starts to rain The rain is hitting my wings, but I don't mind because it can hide my tears I see a rainbow, now two O, the beautiful colors I feel so free I have no worries As I continue to fly I am at peace, but its time to land Back to reality As my wheels touch the ground I feel grounded My mind is open Open to hear the results And to hear what my options are I feel more calm Calm from flying above Be that Plane Fly high High above all What goes up most come down, but we have control Take control of your life When life gets tough, fly Fly above to calm you down When you are ready, touch down Get grounded again Weigh your options Be that Plane when you need to be Fly free to clear your thoughts You can go right or left You can even turn around Back to home ground The doctor walks in, he said: "how are you feeling." I tell him, "I'm okay, just watching the Plane." He said: " they can be scary to watch, but I got your wings. I will guide you in the right direction, you will see. If we get lost we can turn around and try a new direction. See the Plane needs a pilot to fly. To fly free. Free from all the congestion. Let me be that pilot to guide you. To guide you in the right direction. I don't know all the directions, but I know we can keep flying until we find our way. Our way back to ground. Me and you. The Plane is the way."

By Susan Ksiezopolski Don't use your words to fill the missing pieces of me sit with me in silence let your compassion blanket me with fullness. Dance with me in the shadows behind the veil of indifference where together we find our harmony. --- Connect with Susan on Instagram: @writewell_2020

By Veronica Novy I am lost on a highway with no exit signs. I missed yesterday and didn't even realize it until today! I took one day off and nearly lost a piece of me. I asked a friend what day is it? His response was Wednesday. I remember bits and pieces of the day. Mostly I remember not remembering if that makes sense. Only to me probably. What has chemo done to me? What has radiation done to me? I went through the process and now it's my excuse for having a blurred mind. Can anybody out there hear me? As day turned to night, I felt the sun leave my body. The warmth and glow of a hot sunny day was slowly embracing someone else halfway across the world. When its day here, it's night somewhere else. The warmth of the sun left me, and the cool of the night began to embrace my soul. My body began to shiver as I tried to remember every minute of the last five months. It's an odd feeling to sit in your room and hear the water drip. It's an odd feeling when you try not to think of how cancer grows. The rest of my life is dedicated to forgetting about those cells that invaded my body. Life before and life after can only parallel each other in different time zones and dimensions. What can any of us do but survive. Another day in the life of a survivor. Not many will understand. All it takes is one person to listen!

By Heather Lockerman deep breath in, slowly release into the air. close my eyes and listen to life around me. hear the breeze, rattle the shades, smell the sea air, feel the sun's warmth on my body. another deep breath, let it all go. feel my son's maturing arms wrap me in a long hug, hear my sweet and sassy daughter softly whisper "love you" each night. listen, feel, zen. Connect with Heather on Instagram: @sunshinehopeheart

By Sara Kandler The jagged edge comes into view as I approach leaning backward as my feet pace forward through sparse grass need to see how steep how rough how treacherous this bluff dark red like raw meat its crags like teeth My chest clenches stomach churns blood burns A sandy path loops around this cliff and most sanguinely choose that route though they know deep down it goes nowhere they don’t probe rely on false hopes utter resignation Is it alright then to tackle this trial head on and who am I to try I turn and pulley my weight over the rock ledge with deepening dread lock with your gaze then fix mine straight ahead legs splayed against this palisade knees and elbows grinding gears me a swinging chime dangling in the wind sunset behind this sheer face mine a straining middle aged spider woman imagine me a superhero Finally touch down my legs give with fatigue into hard packed ground solid under my feet breathing now steady a normal heartbeat My numb fingers nudge loose the rappel rope to somewhat frame the empty cat dish in the corner throw pillows out of place kids running a little bit late and of this feat when I soared while descending time leaves but a trace

By Dawn Oswald Time How much time do we really need? Time for family Time for friends We wake up and go to work We work 5 to 7 days a week O, were does the time go? Do we spend too much time at work? Trying to save money for that perfect vacation Vacation with the family Do we spend that time doing what we dreamed of? Time There is never enough time We should try to spend more time with the ones we love Take that vacation Trust me I know I worked 2 jobs and volunteered at another I stayed busy working, but now I know work can wait Your important Your family is important Does your work really care about you? I do You need to take care of you Time for you Time for family Time to enjoy life Time to call a friend Time to communicate Time to relax Buy that RV or boat Don’t wait Time is not waiting for you When is that perfect time? Go play Leisure is important too Time to play Time to visit Time to laugh and love Time to remember Time to mark off that bucket list Time to volunteer your time Time to turn that TV off and do something Time to bake a cake with your children Make layers of flavors Just like your life Full of brightness So let it shine Time for me and you

By Dawn Oswald It’s still me The sweet, loving, caring person I have always been I just have cancer now I know I am terminal, but aren’t we all? We were born, we live, and then we die Die from what? I just happen to know what I am dying from Breast cancer I did not choose it It chose me to be stage 4, but it is still me Why are you so distant? Why don’t you call or text? Is it so hard to communicate? It’s been years I miss you I think about you often, but it is getting less, because you don’t answer me anymore What did I do? Is it because I have cancer? We were close, but now distant I don’t understand it Can you explain why? I was always there for you O, were did you go? Was it something I said? Or is it just because I have cancer? I could really use a friend or 2 Or even that family member that disappeared too I’m not sure if I did anything Can we talk? Can we be friends again? Can I have my family back? I did nothing wrong I only have cancer Yes, it’s a death wish, but I wish nothing more for my friend and my family to be here for me as I am here for you My door is always open for you For I have already forgiven you Don’t regret it when I am gone Just pick up the phone I am still me I am still waiting for you Maybe we will cross paths again Whether it be here or in heaven I will be waiting for you For I am still me, your friend and your family

By Dawn Oswald Going home Back to my beautiful blue waves O, how I love how the ocean sounds The birds flying above I just love the Seagulls, the sounds they make When I hear them, I will feel so happy Reminds me of our family vacations in Canada There I can sit on my porch and watch the boats go by Stare at my water of peace Back to the heat Away from the cold I can finally thaw out My bones can stop hurting I can be by my friends and family Going home to my home That sounds lovely No one else’s home My home I can do what I want to it Sure, it’s going to be hot, but I will have AC Away from being afraid of being attack by wildlife The bears and moose, but there were no snakes I will miss Alaska It is beautiful and fishing is great The mountains are so beautiful I did get sick on the boat, but I still fished like a champion Don’t worry Alaska, I will be back I am sure I will run out of fish and bear meat Would you rather be cold or hot? Back to enjoying my walks on the beach, but I did not miss all that sand How do you get sand everywhere? I mean everywhere If I get to hot, I can just jump in the water Going home finally, but for how long? We might adventure again Wait and see But for now, I am going home

By Heather Lockerman i wake groggy and hot take a few shallow breaths the air is stagnant and heavy as if the weight of the world is alive in my bedroom my body is yet again on fire from the inside out i quietly slip to the cool carpet and check the time it's always the same; bathroom, fix the sheets, lay down and ask myself "am i cooler now?" the answer ... never at midnight

By Jill Rackham In October 2020 my life totally changed forever, I wondered how on earth I would hold it together. Following being prodded, poked, scanned and investigated, Breast cancer was confirmed and then life became much more complicated. Cancer, surely this was not supposed to happen to me, I thought I was too young for this at age forty three. Next came invasive surgery, a part of me was taken. All alone in hospital. Covid made sure visitors were forsaken. Observing eyes, it's all I could see, as everyone was wearing a mask around me. A waiting game now, how far had my cancer spread, This news became a huge moment of dread... However I was silently cheering after my fear, As good news was given, my lymph nodes were clear. Treatment came next with side effects galore, but at least the cancer was inside me no more. Then another shock - an unexpected positive genetics result, I felt life tumbling beyond my control just like a somersault. Thrown into chaos again as my chance of cancer returning became higher, My heart sank, my face and body felt like they were on fire. "You need more surgery again", they said, "We must do all we can to put this cancer to bed". And so more surgery happened with complications this time, More hospital visits followed, this life just didn't feel like mine. Thoughts overflowing in my busy mind, What a huge whirlwind of a time. Time has moved on and 4 lots of surgery is now in the past, Treatment continues and I hold hope the side effects won't last. So much has happened, I can hardly believe it's to be, But here I am, a newer version of me. And so onwards and upwards in life I now will hopefully go, Determined to keep smiling and simply go with the flow. -- Connect with Jill and read more of her poetry on Instagram: @poems_to_help_you_through

By William Laferriere Swimming at dusk in an exhilarating, refreshing Atlantic Owning one’s body, in perfect harmony with the now. Multiple daily hikes in very high heat So many Trails Penobscot, Pemetic, Sargent, Bald, Cadillac and more All are Bony, proffering a variety of Boulders and Roots Perhaps awaiting an unsuspecting foot, Short but steep, Just another mile or so to go Watching a puppy hopping up up up, happy as a Billy goat Observing a spirited Bald Eagle, nest a mile high sitting on two chicks, She too takes Ice cold dips into the ocean, In search of nourishment for the little ones Fires nightly, to soothe one’s soul and procure Post Covid Camping friendships for life