Hope

Never give up on hope.

hope is the last eye lash left
when you are bereft of
all other hair on your head
when it died overnight
after the second chemo
did its best

when you stare at your
reflection in mirror glass and
don’t recognize yourself
because the cancer has
invaded every part
of your body

so you take your mascara
from your cosmetic purse and
with its wand you build up
layers to give some
definition

to that one lonely lash
because surrender
is not a word that resides
in your dictionary

Reviews

[Stuart Munro]

Great poem Chris , I’ve been lucky , I’ve just got a chemo cut , or crew cut , so I’m looking Government normal , in fact it suits me ,
Hope your ok , nice to hear from you again , this poem is giving me strength and support while I have cancer , have a great day

[Chris Shaw]

I did my spell of chemo a long time ago Stuart. You never forget it. Keep going. Pleased you enjoyed the poem and have a good day yourself. All good here. Take care of yourself.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Oops my manners!! A big thank you for checking in :)

[Stuart Munro]

I’ve done 12 sessions , Chris , now I’m having a next week scan , to see what’s going on , fingers crossed
So maybe a rest from it , all the best Stuart ,

[Chris Shaw]

Good luck !

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Chris

[June bug]

This write reminds me of my late grandma, She had cancer, she tried to hide it so well as if she hadn't been crying. I can feel this write. Quite an emotional read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for a lovely review. I appreciate you.

Chris

[zeronineight]

Heavy is the weight of the hope that last eyelash brings and I loved reading through the powerful tale this short piece tells.

That was beautiful thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

I thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts zeronineight. I appreciate you.
read moreI thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts zeronineight. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Kaylor Mason]

This has special meaning for me--my mother had stage four lung cancer, and I was the caretaker. I had a horrible front row seat for that whole horrible battle. But I sure saw Mom's determination, too--it was inspiring. thank you for this poem. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Sad that you could relate to this poem. I think in some ways, it is more difficult for the nearest and dearest than it is for the sufferer. I appreciate the interest that you have shown in my work.

Chris

[Seriana]

Thank you for your courageous words. They are painfully heartfelt. Sometimes I read and don't know what to say. This is one of those times. So, join me and we'll sit together in silence. (((hugs)))

[Chris Shaw]

All in the past, but the muse has only just allowed me to reflect on it and put pen to paper. Thank you, I’ll take the hugs. You just can’t get enough of them.

Chris

[Obsidian]

You did something significant with the stance of that last eyelash. A clear visual comes to mind with the mascara. This oozes a power and determination. Touching upon several emotions, this is so well written.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for stepping by to read and leave a view. Pleased you enjoyed my poem. All the best.

Chris

[Perdition]

A language spoken of beauty is a tricky thing indeed. The soul carries our reason and memories throughout life, but all too easily we shrug our truth when young until that day arrives and beauty ignites in some dimensional sensory reflection, our perception is altered. A visual haste colors and washes everything around but that which is the richest beauty of all… our humanity and our vulnerability . “And with its wand you build up layers” truly this magician knows her version of self, and now made unfamiliar through a mirror? Such a cruel beast is the face of chemo but this is a poem beyond Hope and Rage and Laughter and all those tremendous things we took for granted when young, this is a poem of trust and of beauty ….a rare poem of courage and of fear and rage and magic all reflected back as you placed it deeper into the page and unveiled it. What else could an honest poet do? It’s Wonderful Chris !!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your thoughts. That build up of layered mascara on that last remaining eye lash, represented a gradual build up of courage to face the vulnerability and fear of uncertainty. If you saw any beauty here, that was an added bonus. I saw none, only a battlefield. Your visit and time appreciated and welcome.

Chris

[Perdition]

Oh I tend to look where others dare not and beauty is truth, truth beauty...etc. Remember when those quotes rambled off our lips like fresh rain..beauty is best when found among the unexpected...that is very much here and in the quality of your poetry. Very smooth by nature...Thank you again for the read... it is a peach ;)

[Throwing Romeo]

We hope to keep what we have.
Surviving changes everything.
I'm glad you found these words
Chris.

R.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Matthew Kult]

Hope keeps us from drowning in the sorrowfully harmful waters. Death's stench would draw flies while you lay alone pondering what is next. What is out there. Hope brings courage and strength.

Wonderful read.

With love,

Matthew

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Matthew for your warm review. Much appreciated.

Love and peace
read moreThank you Matthew for your warm review. Much appreciated.

Love and peace

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - you remind me of the story of Pandors' Bos. She was warned never to open it, et she did and released all sorts of ailments on the world. Realizing, belatedly what she had done she quickly slams the lid shut. Hearing a tiny voice still coming from within the box she hesitantly reopens it. What was there, that she finally released was HOPE. When all else fails we still must have HOPE.
Thank you Chris and take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for your share. I appreciate your visit very much.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Hell yes. I lost my beloved Grandma to cancer maybe 20 years ago, still think of her often. Hope you're doin' ok.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. I am doing fine. All in the past. Nice your Grandma is still in your thoughts. She must have been special. I appreciate your review.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

She was amazing, made the best meatballs.