Weathering the Storm
I must go into the wild weather, to the hailstones and the sleet,
And all I ask is a big warm coat and a pair of boots on my feet.
And the wind blows, and the trees bend, and the branches are a-quaking,
A jackdaw with ruffled feathers huddles into a hedge a-shaking.
I must go into the wild weather, to the horizontal rain,
Being stuck inside for 93 nights, I need to get out again.
And all I ask is a howling gale to blow away my tears,
And the sting of wind on my wrinkled face to wipe away the years.
I must go into the wild weather, to begin my life once more,
To lose myself in the fierce storm because I know what chemo is for.
And all I ask is the blasts inside me, go quietly into remission,
That the turbulent times will subside, and my aspirations come to fruition.
This poem is based upon “Sea Fever” by John Masefield which I have always loved. It was written when Storm Arwen was blowing through North-East Scotland and I just needed to be out there soaking up the storm. My treatment coincided with the 2nd national Covid lockdown in Scotland and not being able to get outside was tough for me. I need rain on my face and wind whistling around my ears to feel truly alive.
Flynne’s Barn is a place where young people living with cancer can come together and find connection in beautiful surroundings and provides a range of immersive outdoor and creative experiences. I am sharing one poem per day during September 2022 to raise money for this charity. To DONATE, visit my GO FUND ME page. Many thanks.
Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the United Kingdom focused exclusively on myeloma and related conditions. It provides information and support services to patients and educational resources for healthcare professionals. Its research programme builds understanding of the causes of myeloma as well as driving the development of novel treatments, and is supported by work in patient advocacy, improving access to treatment and care for our patients.
