ODE TO THE YOUNG ADULT CANCER SURVIVOR

I stood at the threshold Of a promising life, Ready to step out bold, Face challenges and strife. I wanted to soar, Like an eagle in the sky. Eager to conquer more, To reach really high. One fateful day I awoke, To a painful, swollen knee, In one terrible stroke, It changed what I was to be. Multiple hospital trips, And neverending tests. Our hearts missed a skip, Yet we hoped for the best. "Osteosarcoma" Was the dreaded disease. I felt dazed, in a coma; My brain seemed to freeze. My family drowned in tears, My future looked so bleak. Haunted by many fears, Uncertain, depressed, meek. My dreams torn and tattered, A maelstrom of emotions. My parents were shattered; Were there any solutions? Would I ever walk again? Would I lose my lower limb? Would I become a burden? The situation was grim. My folks offered prayers, With devotion and fervor. Could unkindly fate dare Snatch their son forever? My doctor reassured me, On his face a kind smile; "There's no need to worry; You'll be fine in awhile." He explained me the treatment, And then asked "Is that clear?" I was filled with resentment, Worried for those I held dear. They excised the tumor, Chemotherapy began. I was plagued by bad humor, Wondering at God's plans. It seemed an eternity; Painful weeks crawling by. I wallowed in self pity. All alone, I would cry. Now that is all over. The disease has been cured. I feel I'm in clover I feel reassured. The dark clouds have vanished. I have jettisoned gloom, My demons I have banished, And let optimism bloom. My life is now settled, I like working, have fun. I am in fine fettle. This battle I have