The emergent locations of blood cells are swamped
by genetically altered mutant lifeforms.
Smoke sticks, volatile liquid hydrocarbons, and
ionization-causing high-energy subatomic particles
enable micro-mutants to enter,
multiplying aggressively, altering cell phenotype at will.
This alien invasion of inner space may be eliminated by
implantation of another immune system into the physical structure, and,
use of chemical agents. Otherwise, the human is non-being within several moon cycles.
A successful outcome is living more than five sun cycles.
Seeking advice from other lifeforms on, and beyond, planet Earth
is perceived negatively. Transitioning is dismissed as fantasy.
We, and vampire covens, know better. Life-extenders deny this is an experiment
to inhabit other planets.
This poem was written as part of a Poetry Kit Science and Poetry course. Martian poetry is a niche genre which encourages the writer to consider how to frame the ordinary from a different perspective – that of a Martian. For most people with a cancer diagnosis there is also the need to learn a new language – a medical one. I remember waiting one morning outside a hospital in Glasgow, waiting for my initial stem cell transplant visit. Out of the blue, my GP phoned. I gabbled to her at top speed about what was going on. She waited patiently and then apologised for not understanding all the medical ins and outs that I had covered. We laughed together as we realised how much I had learned and the complexity of it all. I really appreciated her honesty, humour and willingness to take the time to phone and find out what was happening.
September 2023 is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. It is also Child Cancer Awareness Month. Every day 10 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Of those lucky enough to survive, many will have long-term side-effects that may significantly impact their lives forever.
I am posting one poem per day to recognise this and raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. This charity provides sailing and other outdoor adventures for children and young people aged 8-24 who have been treated for cancer. But it’s more than that. There’s a package of support around this including siblings, return trips, volunteering opportunities and so on. The Trust also works hard to ensure their work is environmentally sustainable. You can make a donation HERE!
A really hard read but actually very informative. Clever perspective Juliet. x