The Reality Of Cancer

• Lauren Hutchinson, Grade 10, McCarthy Catholic College
• Poetry
• 2017

Excellence Award in the 'Spread The Word 2017' competition

Two centimetres,
Normally small, but large in the body.
A measure that causes endless pain,
Trauma, sacrifice and heartbreak.
It leaves a scar behind forever,
Mentally and physically.
Resting numb under the lower arm,
It isn’t seen by many, but felt by those closest to it.
An almost perfect relationship: mother and daughter.
Perfection scarred by cancer, 3 years old.
Maybe a long time but not long enough to forget
The hurt, the pain, the sacrifice.
Still feels like an infinity. And will always.
This is the reality of cancer.
It isn’t a choice. It is acceptance.
A lucky escape but not always promised.