This poem comes straight from the heart, one the young members of our family is currently having to deal with cancer.
It carries a dedication: For Lucy, with love and admiration.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON ABOVE TO HEAR THIS POEM.
The unnatural spawned the unexpected
amongst its glossy dark green leaves
Camellia Japonica Alba Simplex
mistakenly sports its pointed buds
unrolled by unseasonal autumn warmth
to display their glorious golden stamens
each framed within a crisp white surplice
four months before their normal time
so unseen by targeted compound eyes
that are still amongst the unborn.
Misplaced virility has cheated beauty.
In you, motherhood was the catalyst,
the normally benign life-cycle awoke
unwanted buds within your breast
that sought to blossom through your body.
With quiet courage you selected steel
to prune those rampant tendrils
and show an awesome serenity
to chemical warfare’s scheduled indignity.
As the cruel winter offensives begin
action is engaged to win your new Spring.
Sally, thanks for your visit, I’m pleased that you enjoyed the poem. I am delighted to say that the main cancer treatment programme ended this week, and the effect is looking promising.
Ivor
Hello Ivor
I’ve just discovered your website. I thought this poem was beautiful and a wonderful use of analogy to convey meaning.
Sally