Oliver Mckeithan Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

What Makes Me Smile

Sponsor: Karen Jones

date 6/20/25

You Make Me Smile

You Make Me Smile

the diagnosis came as a shock
life altering-all came to a stop
several surgical scar forming resections
steady course of skin burning radiation
multiple courses of poisonous chemotherapy
grueling grind of gut-wrenching nausea
valleys of deep depression
alternate with hills of happiness
each day another day of life
totally different than the day before

through it all you have 
managed to maintain your
sharp wit and sly humor
I am truly amazed that
despite the desperate circumstances
you can make me smile

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Karen Jones July 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM Sent u soupmail today :0) Oliver Mckeithan July 1, 2025 at 4:06 PM Got and sent a reply. Thanks

Deb M July 1, 2025 at 1:46 PM WOW Oliver....a very profound and real write! I read this several times. Life sucks sometimes but the love and support from another can help ease the load.... especially with humour! Brilliant write! Debx Oliver Mckeithan July 2, 2025 at 7:25 PM Thanks much Deb

Karen Jones June 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM What an original and endearing approach to the contest! Oliver thanks for your entry and congratulations on your win! Your support in my contest means a lot to me! Please allow me time to get organized and I will format the book and get your final permission much later ok? Oliver Mckeithan June 30, 2025 at 3:24 AM Sounds good and thank you. I am so glad you are doing this project and feel humbled you will include my work in it. This was an excellent contest. Best

Gershon Wolf June 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM Very, very nicely done, Oliver -- with surgical precision too. ~ Gershon Oliver Mckeithan June 21, 2025 at 9:27 PM Thanks Gershon.

Paula Goldsmith June 20, 2025 at 11:43 AM I enjoyed reading your "You Make Me Smile" write. Life comes with pain/hurt. Sometimes humor is all one has. "Good Luck" We both did this one. Have a wonderful/blessed day writing away.................. Oliver Mckeithan June 20, 2025 at 12:26 PM You are right. Thanks for reading and good luck on yours as well.

Charles Messina June 20, 2025 at 11:22 AM Life is tough sometimes, but as tough as it gets a little smile every once in a while, can make someone's day so much better. Best wishes in the contest, great writing! Stay well. Charlie Oliver Mckeithan June 20, 2025 at 11:34 AM It is. Thanks Charles