Relay for Life

Last night I walked in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Each year it is a moving experience.

Sunlight frolicked on our arms

‘neath the open sky

a hurricane of emotion threatened

there we stood in the eye

and we danced like no one was watching

Starlight cavorted with a velvet sky

on and on we walked

luminarias were lit

tears pooled in potholes of our mortality

it’s okay though

because we are survivors

I tuck it all away

a souvenir for the scrapbook of my memory

hoping I will be here to do it all again

next year

 

Author's Note

The photo is of me carrying the survivor banner....I was proud to be honored in this way.

Reviews

[Sheila Kline]

Oh, how very, very wonderful Lydi!!! I did not know that you had battled this horrific disease and WON!!! May you continue to shine by being a part of this event for many years to come! Thank you for sharing the precious pic of you with us and the expressions of survival from your heart and spirit!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Sheila....not only for the review, but for the sweet sentiment. You are a gem! Lydi**

[Bacchus]

This is incredible.
You tuck this beautiful day away-
all while setting your readers a flame.
For the sorrows and joy of this moment-
while saying damn,
I want to be able to capture life the way Lydia does.
To be able to capture something precious is a true gift.

[Lydia Shutter]

I think when one is hit with cancer, one realizes how precious life is, Bacchus. I am so fortunate to be a survivor. I know that. Too many are not. Thank you for the wonderful review and the sentiment. Lydi**

[Gee]

There but for the grace of God.......good on you Lydia,may you take part in many more relays.A wonderful piece

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Gee. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

This is beautiful, inspiring, and truly moving -- I have participated in rowing and running events for breast cancer, and am always struck by the joy in the survivor teams -- I run because I can, and am lucky enough never to have had this happen to me or anyone close to me. Thank you for your beautiful words and light and life. This brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are a special person to run even though you have not been effected by the disease. Most people in the Relay were survivors, but we are strong and we will walk till we can't walk anymore. Thank you for the review and the sentiment, KL. I appreciate it. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

I think it is important for people who are lucky enough not to have faced cancer to support those who have.

[R.M.C]

A wonderful poem: the imagery and the metaphors not only offer insight into the walk itself but the emotions that come with it. So well done on the poem and also for your dedication to the American Cancer Society Relay for life. I especially love the last verse: it speaks of those who still struggle and who yet do the walk, living their lives and trying not to let themselves be weighed down. An inspiring piece.

[Lydia Shutter]

It is my hope my granddaughters will live in a world free of cancer. I will walk every year I am able to. Thank you so much for the wonderful review. Lydi**

[Ardra]

Very beautiful poem lydi.....glad to see you smiling with the banner :)....all who has struggled deserves to be honoured.... keep smiling always

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Ria. Lydi**

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much DH Always happy to have a review from you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i would be proud also if i were you...to have survived and to be honored...nice pic and like how you turned the day's even into a poem...nicely expressed, my friend.

j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jacob. I appreciate your review. Lydi**