Jan Allison Poet Haibun

Notes About The Poem

Cancer

Sue had been so proud of her curvaceous figure and considered her pert breasts were her outstanding feature. Sadly, breast cancer runs in her family and now she too had fallen victim to this cruel disease. 

both breasts are removed
mastectomy surgery
hot tears start to fall

Chemotherapy sessions take its toll on her entire body, with constant sickness she feels so exhausted. Her weight plummets and her clothes hang from her frail frame.

her crowning glory
lost with each stroke of the brush …
golden tresses fall

Twelve months later Sue receives the news she had been dreaming of … she is finally in remission. Reconstruction surgery has been scheduled and soon she hopes to look and feel like a woman again. Her weight is back to normal and glamourous wigs cover her wispy hair.

in sickness and health
their marriage vows hit home hard
husband at her side


Let The Pens Flow - Haibun Poetry Contest

Sponsored by Jenish Somadas

08/15/20

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Elaine George September 22, 2020 at 11:43 AM I know women and men who have lived this Haibun. So deeply touching, dear Jan. Many congrat's on a top-notch rendering. ~ Elaine Jan Allison September 22, 2020 at 12:09 PM I have lost too many friends to this dreadful disease. I came to writing when my hubby was undergoing his cancer surgery, he is probably going to need further intervention in the future but we dont let anything hold us back:-) hugs Jan xx

Susan Ashley September 18, 2020 at 12:18 PM Jan, your expressive pen tells a poignant story that, sadly, many can relate to. Your last haiku reveals so much. A moving piece. Congratulations on your wonderful win. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan Jan Allison September 22, 2020 at 12:07 PM thanks Susan:-) hugs Jan xx

Linda Alice Fowler September 18, 2020 at 11:43 AM Poignant writing Jan. Very touching. Congratulations on the win! Linda Jan Allison September 22, 2020 at 12:07 PM I am delighted to be on the list albeit with just an HM:-) hugs Jan xx

Jenish Somadas September 16, 2020 at 11:39 PM Congrats Jan on your placement.. A touching story.. Jan Allison September 17, 2020 at 1:18 AM thanks for my HM, I am pleased to be on the list:-) hugs jan xx

Mark Koplin August 18, 2020 at 6:56 AM Excellent poem Jan! I love the message Jan Allison August 18, 2020 at 1:12 PM thanks Mark, i never know where my muse will take me:-) hugs jan xx

Christopher Flaherty August 17, 2020 at 4:19 PM Good evening Jan The only comment i wish yo make is i hope this wins. Please will you read my poem Cinderella Bell Ball Jan Jan Allison August 17, 2020 at 5:02 PM will drop over Christopher:-) hugs jan xx

Harry Horsman August 16, 2020 at 1:44 AM The seriousness of the subject matter you bring across so well, Jan, Having my daughter-in-law go through the awful disease, where she too had to have her breasts removed, then followed by extensive chemo. Places me in a position where i do relate to your poem.... Jan Allison August 17, 2020 at 2:15 PM oh Harry i am so sorry to learn of your daughter in law having to battle this dreadful disease, I do hope that after her chemo she is in remission and remains cancer frees hugs Jan xx

Joanna Daniel August 16, 2020 at 1:21 AM Deep, painful and poignant, Jan:) Jan Allison August 17, 2020 at 2:13 PM I have a friend with terminal cancer - a subject that is very much in my mind at the moment:-( hugs jan xx

Mystic Rose Rose August 15, 2020 at 6:11 PM Going through cancer can be quite an ordeal, with love at your side, a woman stands a chance, Glad it ended well for her. You write with so much skill Jan, its to be admired xo Jan Allison August 17, 2020 at 2:13 PM thanks Pixie:-) hugs jan xx

Panagiota Romios August 15, 2020 at 2:36 PM Jan- a beautiful story so well done! So touching for many of us, Pangie~xx My best wishes, my friend Jan Allison August 15, 2020 at 3:16 PM I doubt there are many people here who haven't been touched directly or indirectly by this cruel disease:-( Hugs Jan xx

Kim Rodrigues August 15, 2020 at 2:08 PM Very well done! Love that her husband stayed by her side. Some do...some don’t. I had an assistant whose husband walked out on her and her parents she held on high...they stepped up. This surely will be at the top! Jan Allison August 15, 2020 at 3:15 PM That is so sad kim:-( hugs Jan xx

Ilene Bauer August 15, 2020 at 12:55 PM poignant and powerful, jan! not your usual subject matter, but beautifully written. best of luck in the contest... Jan Allison August 15, 2020 at 1:42 PM Thanks Ilene I prefer humourous writes but I do surprise with the occasional serious poem breast cancer is a subject close to my heart as my maternal grandmother died when my mum was about 7 and I have lost friends to various forms of cancer:-( hugs jan xx

Carolyn Devonshire August 15, 2020 at 11:44 AM This poem is amazing, Jan. Definitely a fave for me. Most of us have known someone with cancer and have watched them struggle with the awful side effects of chemo. This should be a contender for the top spot! Hugs, Carolyn Jan Allison August 15, 2020 at 11:56 AM aww thanks again Carolyn that truly means so much to me:-) hugs Jan xx Carolyn Devonshire August 15, 2020 at 11:53 AM Your poem deserves the fave, Jan. It is touching and sad, but ends with hope. I liked it so much that I returned to read it again. Jan Allison August 15, 2020 at 11:49 AM aww thanks especially for the fave Carolyn, I have had too many friends and family fall victim to cancer of various types. As you know I enjoy my humourous poetry but can write the odd serious poem like this:-) hugs jan xx