Rage at the Sun

May 7, 2021

Robin Zimmerman

Robin Zimmerman is a retired baker living in the Willamette Valley. In 2008, his wife lost her life at the age of 48 after a four-year struggle with melanoma, leaving behind an adult son and preteen daughter. Five years later, he had an early-stage melanoma diagnosed and removed. He now divides his time working part-time at a hospital and as a skin cancer advocate volunteering with multiple organizations.

A melanoma survivor pens a poem about his cancer journey, losing his wife to melanoma and how he lives his life after these experiences.

You took my wife and the mother of our children

and replaced her with pain and sorrow.

You took flesh from my back

and gave me the fear of a simple walk in the park.

My children and I grieved and healed.

My doctor treated my wound and we monitor my skin.

We now leave the house and enjoy the day

with the protection of glasses, clothing, hats and lotions.

With knowledge and awareness, we now survive.

We spread the word to help others avoid our pain.

Now we party and shout and dance in the park.