Hello Folks,
My good friend Jo recently lost her long battle with Cancer and died a week ago. She was a wonderful woman. Funny, intelligent, beautiful and strong.
Her husband Steve has kindly given me permission to reproduce one of her poems which captures the reality of living with Cancer.
I hope you will read and enjoy Remission.
REMISSION
1.
The panther prowls the gloom of my nightmare.
Stealthy with menace, it skulks on huge paws.
I hold on tight to a rickety chair
2.
I stand stock-still as it sniffs at the air
And idly yawns, opening steel-trap jaws.
The panther prowls the gloom of my nightmare.
3.
I will it not to detect my despair
At the glint of teeth, its talon-sharp claws.
I hold on tight to the rickety chair.
4.
It lurks in the shadows, I know it’s there.
Rigid with fear, sweat runs from my pores.
The panther prowls the gloom of my nightmare
5.
And casually stretches. I shrink, too aware
Of its power slinking close on all-fours.
I hold on tight to the rickety chair
6.
With razor-wire claws and its teeth sharply bare,
It doesn’t see me, obeys its own laws.
The panther prowls the gloom of my nightmare.
I loosen my grip on the impotent chair.
gingerfightback.wordpress.com 
Dear Ginger,
I’m sorry the world loses such a bright star*
I love that you shared this*
Love,
Lisa
Xoxo
I’m sorry about your friend. It sounds like she was a lovely and talented person.
Renee
Ginger Im so sorry your Friend lost her battle.. That was a wonderful poem.. Knowing as I do I am sure she is still making jokes and laughing now at that Panther… No longer in Fear, but held in love and light..
Having lost a dear friend and my father to the big C and my sister having done battle with her own Panther with Breast Cancer.. My heart goes out to all those who fight these Demon,.
Love and Healing sent to all who Miss this wonderful Lady..
Sue x
Fantastic x
A very beautiful poem.
I am very sorry that the author is no longer here.
“The impotent chair.” Wow! I am really sorry to hear that the Panther did one last strike, and how lovely that her husband encouraged this poem be shared. Now we have all had a reason to think of Jo, and to consider her family and friends who must miss her terribly. I’m very humbled to have read her words. Debra
This is a very touching poem – thank you for sharing this. I don’t seem to have any more useful words.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. Such a great poem and it was wonderful that you posted this!
Sorry for your loss, but thanks for using this as a tribute to her and her battle. Wishing strength to her husband in the days ahead, so Ginger, be there for him … just give him space when it seems he’s asking for it … but don’t give up.
So sad to lose someone close. The wonderful words she has written will, I am sure, help many especially her husband as he comes to terms with his loss. Thank you Ginger for allowing us to share such wonderful words……….Joan
Really moving poem great to have opportunity to read it
Oh, Ginger, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
I have lost many members of my family to this panther. I myself and one of my sisters are still dodging this panther and although he seems to become more transparent with time you are always aware of him. I thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you for introducing us to her through her poetry.
And, as said above, so sorry that she was taken from her friends and family too soon.
I think it’s a great tribute.
Sorry for your loss GFB, great poem too.
Beautiful and incredibly moving. Sorry to hear of your sadness. Emma x
Jim, thank you for sharing this piece of your friend. Her words breathe and speak even now that she is gone. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Dear Ginger,
A tremendously powerful, touching, sad and beautiful poem.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Love Dotty xxx
So sorry, Jim. That rickety chair…such a powerful image.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul.
This may be the most beautiful, bittersweet piece you’ll ever write… I’m so sorry that you had to write it at all.