words on a paper
Cancer is different
for different people;
how it’s viewed and the way one copes.
It seems to overpower
as if it has power of its own;
its own dark presence,
but it is so limited
in strength and scope.
I have been there;
lived there, for years
believing I would be swallowed
wholly incomplete.
I know -
Thoughts go Wild,
Doctors act Godlike,
Nurses lose their faces
in a never-ending parade of grey.
I was waiting, somewhere,
in yet another room,
for someone,
someone to finish my sentence
while sitting
in a worn out chair
in the midst of despair.
I found, on a table,
a worn refolded paper,
words on a paper,
words,
simple words...
“You are not alone.”
I read and re-read,
again, not quite comprehending
and so tired of believing
yet the words wore deep,
crevassing down into my soul.
Who could have written it?
And why leave it here?
Would the person be coming back?
Maybe I should leave it,
just in case they return.
So there I left it
on the table, just as I found it,
just in case,
for that person and others;
‘cause reading it
took my mind far away
from concern once,
for a moment,
one day.
I pondered that phrase
as days turned to weeks
and weeks became years….
during a time when
I was too tired and alone,
when feelings felt empty
and life was so fragile.
I now keep the thought
continually
abiding here, held
close to my heart;
“I am not alone”
and, my friend,
neither are you.
~r.
All rights reserved,
© September 23, 2004 R. Braley
(astralshepherd)
Yorba Linda, California
Matthew:28:20: “I am with you always...”
Author notes
*What Cancer Cannot Do*
Cancer is so limited -
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot conquer the Spirit
~anon.
Thank you all for your comments on this poem. When I wrote it, I must confess I felt it was a pretty selfish piece....exploring my own pain and struggles and all. I had no idea that there were so many readers that would be impacted by this. I have been moved to tears so many times in reading your remarks, and your observations on this poem. I have had to stop, turn off the computer and go for many long walks while I processed the grief (or gratitude) I felt encapsulated within so many our your comments. I do know a bit about pain....and grief...It is obvious to me many of you know as well. So I pray for all your hearts; that they might be filled with comfort and consolation in knowing you are never alone. Blessings to you, ~ricki
(the graphic is as best as i remember how the note looked when i found it)
Written September 23rd, 2004
In a list
What do YOU think ?
Comments
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Wow, really powerful piece. I can see exactly why it has to many applause. The message is powerful, and hits for me today home on the anniversary of the death of a loved one to cancer.
I really liked the first few lines, because I often find that when we assume that others are dealing with things in the same fashion we are, and try to help them without truly trying to understand, we often end up doing things that are unhelpful.
The feeling of being alone is one that I know I've found more painful than possibly any other, so the message really means a lot.
. Rewarded 8
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This is beautiful! My grandmother is currently suffering from cancer. And I've lost my other two grandparents due to the horrible disease.
I wish telling her that she's not alone would do as much good as knowing it.
Your poem is very simple, yet extremely touching. It's the earnestness and reality of it that makes it so beautiful, I think.
Wonderful, wonderful poem!
. Rewarded 6
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It's very beautiful.
The ending lines touched me deeply -
its inspiring
your good at wat u do and should keep it
K.I.T
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This should put somewhere for all cancer patients to read it. i feel they would all be happy to hear that they are not alone. I loved it.
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Wow!
This touched me deeply and made me wonder if my mother was ever given such a profound message during her battle with cancer. I can only hope that she did receive some form of comfort during her fight with cancer. I have often tried to put myself in her shoes, a young mother of three with one more on the way, and being told she must abort so the cancer would not spread so quickly. That child was me and for years I carried guilt about that because of a comment made by one of my siblings. I now know just how much she loved me, but I sure have and do miss her! Thank you for this write. I am sure you will help many..Blessings Patty
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Wow. Beautiful, and moving. This is a piece that NEEDS to be read by anyone who is battling cancer or is a cancer survivor. Thank you
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amazing
(:
i dont know what to say.
youve heard what had to be said.
You're an awesome writer.
& i loved this poem
the words you chose for it are perfect.
idk ... i loved itt !
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This woas uplifting and sad all at the same time. I can't imagine living with cancer although I live with the threat of Cervical cancer every day of my life thanks to my now Ex husband. Anyway.... This was very well written an a very well worth read. Thank you for sharinging
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wow this is amazing
you have a lot of talent -
wonderful
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This poem is so uplifting.
How can a poem be so uplifting and yet so sad, you have truely captured both of these emotions of the heart so truely here. I felt inspiration and sadness as I read this beautifully written peice so well written, you express your thoughts beautifully.
I have read two of your poems this one and The Preacher and I have enjoyed your writing and thoughts in both. You are truely a talented poet who expresses and encourages others. Thank you for sharing another wonderful write.
Your authours notes were so uplifting, have you thought of sending copies of this write to some cancer hospices, not for financial gain but as words of encouragement for cancer sufferers and their families.
I would have been encouraged to have read this in the hospice. Can I send some to some Hospices in the UK for their waiting rooms as you have written it, with your name and authors notes on as I think it would encourage thousands who really need encouragement as they battle, feeling Alone, I mean just look at all the comments it has received.
My daughter died age 26 from cancer and my mom the year after, I found this write encouraging and inspiring thank you for that.
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i honestly thot, at one point during my surgeries and chemo " what the %*#@ could ever come of this?" over time i realize i have a more profound sensitivity to people in pain - the note i found helped me understand that to be comforted, i must learn how to comfort. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, so young and then losing your mother must have left a great hole within you...with regard to permission to read this, you have not only my permission but my blessing as well to share this with whomever, wherever, whenever with my prayer that others may find hope in the midst of hopelesness.
thank you for the lovely comment, it truly does mean more to me than you could ever know.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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My Grandma Passed Away with Liver Cancer In April 2007, so this poem is very touching to me.you have talent.
. Rewarded 4
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my dad might have cancer. i dont know when i find out though. this was an encouragement to me, even though I'm not the one who could be sick. thanks for the great words of hope.
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May God Bless you forever
My heart goes out to you and my prayers will remain with you. The work you put into this has to be applauded by way more then me. You have a way with words that remain intouch with your life and loved ones. I do not feel that it is selfish at all. God sent you to pass on something to people like us who are hurting and looking for encouragment. The battle and struggle you have been through will bring many (MANY) minds together and give them faith in belief when they are down and sad and feel like giving up.
May God Bless you forever my friend.
. Rewarded 8
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you honor me with your comment and your applause, for that i thank you. The battle is not mine alone, it belongs to all of us who face uncertainty and even extends to those whose lives are untouched by calamity. I think when one human aches, is hungry, lonely or afraid, it diminishes us all as a species. Is it so difficult to offer a gentle touch to a grieving heart or to give a smile of compassion? It only takes a small step from there to go and visit someone shut in, or in hospital or wherever darkness presses in and be light to them.
blessings to you,
~r.
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*Tears*
This pen placed tears in my eyes and my heart.I am so glad that you have written this piece to give encouragement and comfort to all who battle this disease.I feel you have revealed a special part of yourself an in no way does it seam selfish at all.For if you want to be real and give real encouragement to one that is going through the same battle then you must draw from what you know...I feel this will be on her level at this particular time...Thank you so much for blessing me with a part of yourself...
~Cheryl~
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thank you so much for the wonderful comment and i appreciate the applause. The only reason i entered the contest was the word Encouragement that you, CherylAnn, used - it got my attention and broke my heart when i read why the need for the contest. Words are empty things when you think about it, they never really say exactly what it is that our hearts need to hear in times like this - i wish i could bottle compassion, or package tenderness and send that instead of words. But words are all I have, i wish i could give you so much more for you and your sister, so i offer my tears, here along with this remark. Tears of hope, sorrow, risk and blessing, may they mingle together with your family's. My prayers are with you.
blessings and best wishes,
~r.
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Wonderfully written and oh so touching. My family has had a lot of cancer. My dad died of a brain tumor, my aunt died from ovarian cancer, my youngest brother had testicular cancer and pre-cancerous cells on his lips...cancer...a word that carries so much emotion with it. Thankyou for sharing this wonderful poem. Pam
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my mom has cancer and i shared this with her, it made her smile. thanks you for your courage and fortitude..
*Leah
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Leah, thank you so much for letting me know that you shared this with her, it is an honor i do not take lightly. Tell your mom, she is in my thoughts and my prayers, would you?
thanks again
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This was an amazeing write. It's good that we can put our feelings down on paper (or computer), I think in some ways it makes us feel a little better. I had an aunt who died of cancer, and the whole family never knew she had it until she got so sick and went to the hospital, then about a week later she went to jesus. Cancer is a terrible illness, God bless you. Keep up the great writeing.
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thank you for taking the time to comment, it is so hard when we watch others in pain and so undable to do much but watch. thank you for sharing your experience.
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Excellent
Fantastic -
Cancer
My mom has cancer for the third time in her life. This time is the worst we've all been through, and we are a small family. This weekend I was mostly at the hospital with my mom. I was torn between wanting my own time and wanting to be there for her. I felt selfish, then I felt angry and worried. It's strange the emotions we go through in times like this. People can preach how strong once must be, or how weak someone is, but we all react differently to these hells of experience from my point of view. My mom is ok now, they just needed to restore her vitamins and such. She still has her personality and we laughed with the roomie's we had. I met a nice person in the bed by hers. My mom and me touched hearts again, and that is important. It's very difficult to more or less die with someone. You do, when they slowly slow down, you hear the clock of life ticking for them, and it prioritizes things very harshly and quickly. This time isn't what it should be for my mom, me and other family, as you think it should be really. Like some hallmark moment where all the dramas and insult are washed away. In a lot of ways it becomes amplified, but, it is intense both in dark ways and in pure light. Whatever one feels during these times is pure, and forceful. Nothing meak, except maybe for the body under attack. Cancer isn't the only killer, but it is up there in the "most wanted" of cures for. My mom said this weekend, that she didn't realize how much her friends loved her until now. It brought her a great value of self. I've noticed that words...sometimes more so than presence, can stay with a person..when people get tired and go home..or they sleep and leave the sick one with their thoughts..those words are read and read again. Self expression, regardless of it's method (unless destructive) is invaluable. I'm glad you found my poem shadows, because it led me here. I hope you have heal, where you need to, where you wish to.
W/hugs.
S
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thank you so much for your comment, i really do appreciate it and your transparancy of heart with your experiences, i wish you and your mom well, may angels find thier way to your side.
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Very touching I have been in the bed of pain when
a truck passed over my head and back on a motor bike
accident when I was only 18
I wish you good health and peace of mind
I liked this poem alot
thank you for sharing
Nick
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A note with those simple words, maybe it was a divine intervention. It always seems that when I am at my lowest point in life something always creeps around the corner, or walks right up in my face to get my mind off of whatever it is that is eating up my faith. I could be so depressed, and then a squirrel runs out in front of my car and just stares at me. Of course, I slam on the brakes to avoid hitting it. And then the miraculous happens, I think it is my brother. His favorite commercial was the Geico commercial with the squirrels in the road. I'll bust out into laughter just from a squirrel. I know I have been rambling on again, but this piece is beautiful and simple. It is about faith in God and that we are never left to wander this world alone. God lives in us all. This was a very moving poem. Surprising that I hadn't read it before. This was beautifully done.
becca
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Praise be to God for none are alone. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful, informative and encouraging piece with us. It was exactly what I needed today of all days and I feel truly blessed to have been directed here. God bless
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A perfect title
Oh on a piece of paper, you are not alone is so perfect. Oh how cancer is so overwhelming and brings exhastion as well. I felt such pain and sincere love for those who suffer from cancer. For there is usually as we grow older for sure someone in our lifes struggle with cancer and therefore we are humbled at least I. The title is perfect, and then that first line as well as it being I so believe a God moment to one in dispair. Excellent write for even in the last line it speaks of were never alone!! What a beautiful write for someone who suffers yet here as you have put it on a piece of paper!! Blessings to you!!
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This poem is strong, supportive, enlightening, healing. Your wonderful use of vocabulary and imagery take the reader right into the scene, and the kindness of such simple words stood tears in my eyes. Well done, credit where it's due. You have moved me to write those words on any newspaper in hospital that I come across. More people need to read that message.
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Selfish pieces are allowed.
Very hard topic to write about and hard for some of us to read. It dives into the mind of the person actually sitting in the cancer seat. I do not know how lonely it could be.
The story is wonderfully told.
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This is very commendable poetry and enlightening. Your poem is strong in support and healing. I am glad you survived it hugs. I am a survivor too of many years. Love these lines -
I pondered that phrase
as days turned to weeks
and weeks became years….
That's the way it goes. With new medecine and research, certain forms of cancer are less threatening. It is an understandable fear but your poems helps in validating faith and hope. Thank you.
. Rewarded 8
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This is amazing and brought me to tears...
I have seen my Mother in Law battle Cancer for many years and win!
You have the strength and faith that it takes and I am so happy that you won the battle as well....
The note you found with few words I believe changed your life and isn't that amazing!!!
extending hand in friendship...
Blessings to you....
Lynda
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This is a deeply moving poem because it is written from truth, reality and pain. It must have been hard to write but somehow healing too. Sometimes the most important poems are the ones the author would label as "selfish" and those poems often touch others profoundly for their vulnerability and honesty. This illness is difficult to experience.
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this is beautiful, inspiring and very well written. I like the way the stanzas just have a flow to them. The choice of words is perfect, even the backround adds to the vibe of the poem. Well done!
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I had a friend that had cancer once. He passed away last year... It was very sad. This poem reminded me of it. It made me feel bad, because I went to his funeral high. I miss him a lot. Thanks for sharing.
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Having lost two close relatives to the prevasive illness I can echo the thoughts and emotions of my fellow readers and commenters. Your outlook is, as I am sure they would agree, an inspired one, that grasps for hope not just in this world, but in the next.
Of course, it is only the timid mind that could find fault or failure in the iniative that mightily overcomes and pushes onward.
There are times we could all use to drop our gaurd, and our predispositions, just a little and look around - to see both the pain, and the triumph.
Excellent promote, thank you.
~Das
P.S. - Check out the 2007 Raven Contest, currently running on Allpoetry.
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The true beauty of the phrase to me, though, is not that God is with us, but that we are with each other. Humans and their connection is the true beautiful social network of the religious system...
Beautiful write, thanks! Great stanzas, conversational tone, even the centering didn't bother me as much as it usually does
Thx
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I agree with you about being there for each other,
especially in the light of Gerard Manley Hopkins,
“As kingfishers catch fire”
(second stanza)
“I say more: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is—
Chríst—for Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men’s faces”
Thanks for the comment Kevin, i appreciate it.
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Very good.
The first two lines of this poem made it stand out for me, and I agree with your poem. A very close family member of mine died of cancer when I was 8, and I feel in a way I can relate to this poem. Cancer may attatch itself to some people, but it never a part of that person. It is a 'power' and a 'dark presence', but it can be defeated. I am glad your poem had a message of hope in it. I love *What Cancer Cannot Do*, in your Author's notes. People need optimism and hope, and your poem demonstrates this well. Thank you for sharing your poem with me and others.
Keep writing,
Ellie. -
You have such passion, in your eloquence,
I simply loved it.
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A nice and yet saddening, yet hopeful poem. A stunningly good write. Good job and keep writing!
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A wonderfull write. My wife is a ten year cancer surviver. Cancer is a long hard road to trevel and no one knows where ths journey will end. I am thankful that I at least had her for ten more years.
. Rewarded 4
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How wonderful to share with others, who might be going through this some tough time now as you did then, this uplifting write. One can get so down during times like these, but this gives one some food for thought, and how true it is. We share our lives with many - family and friends, who when we are down, are also that way. You are not alone, and neither am I. Well written, easy to read and understand.
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touching
that is very touching. i would hate to have to go through something like cancer but with a poem like that it would surely put a light at the end of that tunel -
iv had this felling befor becauseon november 8th 2004 my dad died of cancer over an illness of sixten moths and it was hard for me to cope with it then one day i found a book called you are not alone teens talk about life after the loss of a parent and its by lynne b. Hughes and it really helped me cope with my loss and then just reasently my grandmother died of a strok and it was hard because i uesed to help take care of her all the time.
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this poem made me cry. it is soooooo sweet, sad. my grandpa has cancer so it kinda hits me hard. read my pain poem. its about him.
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very beautiful poem!! also very sad!!! I am so sorry for the ordeal that you had to go through!! The good Lord is always with us!!! don't forget what that paper said and always have faith!! I hope that u are doing good now! My prayers are with u!
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Wow
This poem took my very breath away. Its amazing. I havent myself ever had any struggles with cancer but I have a teacher at my school and near the end of last semester she had suddenly become prudish, many of us made fun of her as well as dreaded her class, thank God for his and her forgiveness, we had forgotten her cancer, put away from our mind the everyday struggle held therein. This semester was started fresh, as if all had been forgotten. I think this poem is a wonderful encouragement to those who might struggle with cancer. The author's comments especially helped drive home the message. Keep up the wonderful writing and God bless.
Onyx.
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Some very wise words, more should know, but that can only happen if we get the message out to each. I feel the beginning has begun and hopefully there will never be a end!
Rose -
Inspiring!
Thankfully I haven't had cancer but I've been to a 'place' where I felt completely lost and alone, full of despair and helplessness. When I was reading your poem I remembered the feeling and it brought back the memory of how friends around me helped me through it all. Sometimes we forget and need a little nudge.
Thankyou.
I don't think of your poem as being selfish, quite the opposite for I know that if I wrote something like that it would hurt, and most likely bring me to tears.
It's hard to write down your own feelings...well done!
Petit Moineau
. Rewarded 8
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awesome
how true we are never alone for god made it that way even when we think we are were not god is awesome to and i thank him daily for his love
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I think one of the most important things we have to learn is that we are not alone. Truth of the matter is, generally speaking, you don't know the true extent of this statement until something bad happens to you and you have those around you to help you through.
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very cool, and very helpful for me right ow. i've been going through an emotionaly tough time as of late. i think this will help me a bit. thanks for that. I realy did need it.
Good Write and God Bless
The Unrequited Writer
Ben B. -
it brand tears to my eyes,
well done. i love it when a poem makes me think.
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sometimes a nudge is all we need to find the strength to continue.. I am very spiritual so i immediatly see how Jehovah helped you when you needed it. That note was left there to help you and it did that. You are a very determined person and i felt that through your writing. I'm so very glad that you have stayed positive through your ordeal. It is inspirational !!
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It was a great poem that you wrote and would you like to see my poems? My author name is Sargent.
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You are not alone. Such a simple yet incredibly moving statement. You expressed your own struggles without self-pity and offered - through them - a way for others to know that they too, do not stand alone.
. Rewarded 4
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Wow. This is really well written. I noticed that when I started reading it, it was going to be an emotional poem. While reading it my heart broke for you. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to go through something like that.
You captivate the reader by appealing to their (my) sense of empathy. It is so beautifully written. Man, I feel kind of like crying, or eating a lot of chocolate.
Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
--Beth -
ah-may-zing
You don't use fancy words, or pretty rhymes. But the poem itself speaks so loud. It sends such a clear message. It makes me think- and gives me re-assurance. It something I think everyone can use at the end of a bad day. Thank you- for writing this poem! It's really something I think a lot of people could use. Its amazing!
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Excellent Poem
Yes,I will say some prayers for you,Good piece of work,i am sorry you have the pain and stress and that life has been a bit of a struggle,may God be with you!And,good luck in your true path of light!I believe God can take your pain away!Sincerely Lisa K Haslett Raytown Missouri!
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Wow
I do not think there is anything else to be said except good luck and you and your family, friends, and anyone else who unfortunately knows this feeling will be in my prayers tonight...
"I found, on a table,
a worn refolded paper,
words on a paper,
words,
Simple words...
“You are not alone.”
I read and reread,
again, not quite comprehending
and so tired of believing
yet the words wore deep,
Creasing down into my soul."
Tears fell thank you for having the courage to share this
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wow
This is really amazing.It's so inspiring.I love it.It really is very very beautifully written.Great Job.
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Its not often I read a piece that leaves me speachless, I cannot imagines the pain you have endured but I can so understand the hope that something so small gave you. I have watched friends struggle with this awful disease, some fight it, some can't fight it, and until it happens I guess you dont know how you wil handle it. Your poem has been written from the heart and in my mind is perfect. I think you needed that note when you found it and someone, somewhere knew that. Keep strong.
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It has a feeling a hope, that there is someone out there who cares.
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BREATHTAKING!
This was amazing. Truelly amazing, the title its self caught my attention, bc im always refering to blank paper as a fresh start of things you know? & just i dont know it really caught my attention. & then i was so unexpected to read about cancer. I dont know really any one close to me that have it, but leme tell ya its one my fears as a woman to get breast cancer, i dont have much of breast in the 1st place, why wud i want to lose those? But you know in away your poem made me feel stronger, like that if in the end i do end up with something or someone close to me does, that i know they'll be strong as well as i will. This poem is very amazing & breathtaking its deep & emotional & has courage & hope & faithe all built in it. I loved it. Im so glad i took my time to take a look at it. Thnx you!
xx
Peace with
Dre
Aka
Ceci
. Rewarded 8
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OMG!
i loved it. I got teary eyed. Tomorrow is the anniversary of my dads death of none other than cancer. Reading it put so so so so mant emotions into my heart that i have been feeling the last year and I am really just so taken aback... The piece is beautiful and I am so grateful that i got to come across it... Thank u...
I like the title. i think that it really ties everything together... You have people who tell you so many things yet I think that hearing it is so much different than reading it... Writing is more personal in my opinion. when someone takes the time to write something... even if it is a simple sentence... it can mean so much
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i am sitting here with tears in my eyes! this is beautiful! and you gave me chills, amazing.
you have just made my day, your picture makes it even more perfect
though you didnt need the help
*sniffles* fantastic! fantastic!
i love how you write something so painful and reach out to people, even ones who do not even have to go through it. you have reached out to me.
if i could give you more than 3 applause I sure would!
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