---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108-page perfect-bound ISSN#/ISBN# issue/paperback book “Pieces of the Past” cc&d, v339, the 11/23 issue Order the 6"x9" paperback book:

Order this writing in the book the 2024 poetry review date book (the 2024 poetry collection (& art) weekly paperback book)		get the 140-page poetry & art weekly planner as a 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Order this writing in the book Over the River and Through the Woods the cc&d September-December 2023 magazine issues collection book		get the 424-page September-December 2023 cc&d magazine 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Gilded

Christian Ward

Cancer never made me pretty.
Shaving off what little
was left

exposed a body
bald and patchy

like a left-out
Christmas tree in Spring.
The disease
refused to write me

a third act.
Nurses patched me

up. Bathed
what there was to bathe.
Encouraged me to costume
into normality. Physiotherapists
rebuilt muscle until I swapped
biceps for hills. A kindly healthcare
assistant listened to my problems
like a priest. The helter-skelter
of my body carried the drugs
to where they were needed.
I glowed, thanks to these people,
and almost outshone the sun
gilding everything with its light.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...