A Holiday Poem: Who Says Cancer Doesn’t Rhyme?

Burt Rosen has two primary cancers: renal clear cell carcinoma and an advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (spread to the liver). Catch up on all of Burt's blogs here!

‘Twas the week of the first holiday and all over town

Families and friends were coming, to see who else was around

How has life changed we ask when thinking of them

Well nothing is the same, but in some ways, it’s better than then

It is so nice to have our close ones around

Even when with our treatments we still abound

I am getting a shot on Monday, an appointment and acupuncture this week

But even those events, won’t turn this week bleak

On Thanksgiving, a lot of people like to play the “What are you thankful for?” game

And despite my spontaneousness, I will still try to frame

What I am thankful for despite all that I’ve been through

I am thankful for life, my friends and family, the world and all of you

Will I eat a bunch? Sure, it’s just what you do

But I will try to eat as healthy as I am able to

Lots of veggies and fruit, and some proteins also

And I am eating that all to feel better and not for all show

So, what has changed and why do I care?

Dealing with difficult stuff has given me my share

Of things to think about, that much I know

But because of all of those things, I am happy with how I grow

I’m more open, and honest, and engaged and grateful

I’m more happy, self-aware, appreciative and not hateful

My mind is doing great, and luckily my body follows

But even when it doesn’t, I never feel hollow

I’ve found my purpose in trying to help others

Mattering is important, maybe the most if I had my druthers

So, what will I end with for you, the fair reader?

Be appreciative, realize what you have and in the emotion be a leader

So have a great time with those close ones around

And never forget, you are here which might astound

We are stronger than we realize, of that I am sure

And the holidays and close peeps can always help cure

Whatever your feeling, whether it's low or it’s high

There is nothing that can’t be cured by a great piece of pie

So happy holidays from me to you

Let’s not let our cancers ruin what we do

If we have to step back, you can take smaller steps and still enjoy

And even if you can’t have dairy, can you still have soy?

But have a great time throughout this holiday season

And never let your illness, be the overarching reason

That you can’t enjoy family, friends and the rest

And let’s make this holiday season feel like the best

There will be plenty more holidays, I hope for you all

So have a great night and give someone a call.

Yes, we have stuff and we all deal with cancer

But maybe a happy holiday season can be part of the answer.

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