We'Re All Going To Die--What the Heck

That cancer has ravaged my family, it is true My mom first with melanoma at age forty-two, Bone cancer took my Uncle Cladie for a ride Until the pain caused him to commit suicide, My dad lost his battle to non-Hodgkins lymphoma Then, my wife Deb succumbed to a rare carcinoma. I believe most forms of cancer we can prevent Doctors say our lifestyles can cause us to present, Not availing ourselves of many self-cancer tests While ingesting carcinogens and being stressed, Using tobacco products like there is no tomorrow Will sooner or later cause us more than sorrow. If one of your close relatives died from the disease It’s a warning signal you cannot do as you please Eat nutritious foods, exercise, get plenty of rest The least to be said is doing your dead-level best To maintain a healthy lifestyle with a regular check Do not say, “We’re all going to die—what the heck!” Yes, it is true, we are all going to die…someday Experiencing the suffering from cancer, I can say, Leads me to believe there is a much better way So, heed the advice I am sharing with you today, Believe me, my friend, tobacco use is not okay. Please, do not let a frivolous habit make you pay! FIRST PLACE WINNER May 31, 2021 written for the "Cancer Ivy" Poetry Contest sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke (an abbreviated sestina) [NOTE: I purposely chose the provocative title to attract as many readers as possible. It's an important message!]