A Poem for My Neighbor’s Father on Cancer’s Path

I have stage 4 cancer. He discovered he had brain cancer while visiting his son, my neighbor. Sometimes we meet strangers along the way on this cancer path, with whom we have brief, intimate connections that awaken and humble us anew again.

A Poem for My Neighbor’s Father

Mr. Rogers comes to mind as I follow

the slow-talking nurse to the radiation

prep space in the nearby medical center.

He insists on instructing me on the same

protocol I’ve done at least 20 times.

with a new twist. No underwear? How bizarre.

I’m scheduled for a brain scan. I want to hurry

the nurse — this stubborn, towering man

who shows me again how to use a locker.

I am anxious today about the MRI until I see,

by surprise, my neighbor, and his father

who is dressed, like me, in baggy hospital pajamas.

The father was recently diagnosed with aggressive

brain cancer. Although we have walked together

several times, he doesn't recognize my face.

My neighbor explains his father is overmedicated,

and speaking a mixture of English and Hindi.

On our walks, he was fluent in British English,

and told sweet stories about his community

of extended family members, various houses he owned,

and his prosperous career. He longed to return to India.

On our last walk, he panicked as we climbed

a slight hill, which now makes sense, given his body

was alerting him to present and coming dangers.

My mind moves from earlier imaginary threats,

to my neighbor’s father, hoping he will have the time

and strength to return to his much-beloved homeland.

This post was written and submitted by Trisha Ready. The article reflects the views of Ready and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

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