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Ad Libitum |20 December 2016

Having Cancer and Seeking the Point

Meredith L. Clements, MA

Article, Author, and Disclosure Information
Author, Article, and Disclosure Information
  • From University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.

    Current Author Address: Meredith L. Clements, MA, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620; e-mail, mclements@mail.usf.edu.

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Each morning, I sip coffee on the porch
Watching the backyard come alive
Deer walk their usual path through my garden
One locks my gaze, and
I remember to breathe
She recognizes me
I sit straight, trying to present my best Self
Yet she remains underwhelmed by my presence
In this moment I become more mindful
There is humor in thinking nature might stop for me
Perhaps the point of cancer
Is to recognize the uncomplicated nature of dying?
Like the deer, I am not intimidated
I have locked death's gaze
Refusing to blink first
I am as furious as I am thankful
For this new state of normal
Cancer brings me to a point of understanding
How dying is easier
Than our medicalized society suggests
This is my truth I keep from those
Who are yet to be burdened by disease
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Clements ML. Having Cancer and Seeking the Point. Ann Intern Med. ;165:883. doi: 10.7326/M16-2480

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Published: Ann Intern Med. 2016;165(12):883.

DOI: 10.7326/M16-2480

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2016 American College of Physicians
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