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Fallout

When my hair did not fall out, our friend Mikalaj
Was worried and flurried  - he wondered if I
Had received the real treatment; perhaps it could be so
That I had been given naught but a placebo?
I told him that I was quite sure I'd received
The proper prescription. Alas, he still grieved!
But then, a whole week past the date we'd expected,
My hair did fall out! Well, was I dejected?
Not really! I hurried away to the big
Department store which would provide me a wig
When I had presented the N.H.S letter!
But when I arrived, I was told I had better
Call the hospital! It seemed the store'd terminated
Its contract for wigs, but had not indicated
That fact to the health service! What a disaster!
For time was now hurrying faster and faster,
And next day I'd a lecture to give, and the following
Day was a high-level dinner! Well, wallowing
In tears would not help me! And then a kind friend
Whose "chemo" was over, proposed she would send
Me her wig! Luckily our hair is the same hue,
More or less (faded mouse!).. Well, what else could I do,
But accept her kind offer? And so, though the style
Is not really "me" (much too smart!), for a while,
It will serve its turn - so I go, happy and careless,
With a chic wig atop a scalp that is hairless!

Author notes




For those unfamiliar with Central European spelling... that "J" at the end of Mikalaj is pronounced like a "Y".. His name rhymes (more or less) with "pickle-high!

Likewise those unfamiliar with UK realia, the N.H.S is our state-(under)funded National Health Service... which is normally referred to (as in the poem) just by its initials, pronounced in full "en-aitch-ess!"

PS... This was written in summer 2006. My hair is growing back nicely now!




A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 28 of 28

  • Dangerousparable silver member
    December 10

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    i understand and you make it understood.
    my father wet through pancreatic cancer as did a friend of mine. you make it real

  • hawkeslake gold member
    October 26

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    Again, so very well illustrative of the hair loss period! Having "gone through" both of my sisters' cancer battles, I was able to plan ahead, picked out a wig very close to my own hair, and then had my head shaved at the first bit of fall-out -- some of my colleagues never even new I had hair loss until one day it was too hot, and I just pulled it off! LOL. Your poetry is wonderful!


  • JustSimplyLissa gold member
    October 8

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    You are indeed a beautiful person with an amazing sense of humor. Thank you for this entry. It will bring courage to many

  • Rainydaywoman
    August 21

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    Waist length and ever flowing!

    Ahh the woes of chemotherapy. I am so glad you in the end did have a wig to wear. I shaved my moms head when her hair started to fall out. That was one hell of a day. My mom isn't into the wigs too much, she says they are itchy and hot! She prefers to wear scarves or bandanas everywhere. Thank you so much for your entry, and I am so glad your hair is growing nicely these days!

  • judyjudyjudy
    July 20

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    I saw this before in one of my other contests but I enjoyed reading it again. Loss of hair because of chemo is a disturbing temporary disability but you dealt with it with spirit and humour.

    Thanks for your entry.

  • Barely Breathing gold member
    June 6

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    Great write and I am so happy that your hair is growing back now, it is so terrible when it falls out. Well done and all the best for the contest.

  • Shya
    June 5

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    Wow. I agree that it helps to laugh through hard times... I loved the perfect flow of this poem. Thanks for making me smile

  • paw-writer silver member
    June 3

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    It is wonderful that you could maintain a sense of humor through a very painful ordeal. you must be a very strong person to be able to do this. I enjoyed this write. Thank you for entering my contest. Blessings, Patty

  • judyjudyjudy
    May 29
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    Like the humour in this write.

    Thank you for submitting.
    jjj

  • aboomer gold member
    April 8

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    Well, I didn't laugh - but I was deeply moved by the grace and dignity you show during your rough times. I had cancer a long time ago - no treatment, so I didn't lose my hair....but I know that life goes on whether you are sick or not, and it is a strength to be able to continue on with daily activities - as you have shown that you did. And I'm glad you had such good friends to care for you. And I certainly wish you the very best.
    Thank you for your entry
    best wishes

  • kareneisenlord gold member
    January 10

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    I loved your sense of humor here. It was such a delight to read. Humor is the best medicine and reading this reminded me of that. I admire your courage and your strength, and most of all, your ability to see the flipside of tragedy and take something that is challenging and find the comedy there and get a good, healthy laugh out of it.

    I read your "author's notes' and yes, having cancer, or any condition that can affect one's quality of life and presents a challenge that other people do not have to deal with , can be considered a disability. Even though you may not be "disabled" by it, the condition in itself can be considered a disability, or "handicap". I dislike both of these words as I do not like labels, but unfortunately they are necessary for communication.

    I will clarify this on the contest page and
    please correct me if you do not agree with something that I have said. I am always open to input.

    Thank you for reminding us that laughter is good medicine and for sharing this lovely poem with us!

  • Spiritual Nature silver member
    January 10

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    As a woman, loosing our hair is so devastating.  I really have to admire the woman who have the self assurance to simple go bald. I am sure I would not be able to do the latter and would probably weep and hide out till a wig was provided. You were blessed that your friend offered her wig and that it was so close in color to your own hair, but it is your attitude toward this dismal time that is breathtaking. Great job! Blessings, Doris

  • nothinghere silver member
    November 20, 2007

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    This is a great piece here, I am sorry that you have also known this pain

    Thank you so much for entering this contest. I wish you the best of luck

    Karen

  • astralshepherd gold member
    October 22, 2007

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    I read this aloud but I know you would have a better flow if I could hear you read this, the inflection of voice that is uniquely yours, the emphasis that you would place but I think I got it enough to offer my own to this and found it to be a marvelous poem when read aloud. The flow is brilliant as are the rhymes make this a very engaging poem. One must keep a certain level of humor during times like this, it has to be that way or the fear and terror take over. Having those who willingly give of themselves, their resources to aid is such a blessing as well, it takes some of the sting out of the pain and confusion. Your poem is a wonderful offering which lifts the heart and spirit. Thank you again for entering it into the contest.

    Blessings and best wishes,

    ~r.


  • whiterabbit--x
    October 13, 2007
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    this is really great. I like it a lot.

  • astralshepherd gold member
    October 4, 2007
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    Vera, thank you so much for entering your second poem, “Fallout” into my contest, Breast Cancer Awareness, it is an honor to have your work posted here and your voice and unique perspective is a welcome addition. This is a boilerplate note that I place on all poems entered to let you know I have reviewed your poem and have made my initial observations. Please feel free to add to or modify your poem as I will make my final assessments after the close of contest. I will judge the contest approximately ten days after that and will make any additional comments at that time. Thank you, again, I truly do appreciate your effort and wish you best of luck in the contest.

    Blessings and best wishes,

    ~r.

  • One Eunique Pixie
    April 10, 2007
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    Not quite as funny as I had hoped. Thanks for sharing. Love and Peace, Charlene.

  • Ontarah
    March 17, 2007

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    I love how you have managed to make a situation that is usually depressing and wearisome to the utmost into something humurous and upbeat. I think that has as much to do with beating the cancer as the actual chemo. Once more, you show a great command of rhyme and tell a creative narrative. Good use of enjambment as well. Thanks for the entry and good luck.

  • aslanlight
    March 11, 2007

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    Incredible, I love this because having a sense of humour can help get us through just about anything. I know because I've had my share of battles and still battling! If we can laugh we can rise above the trials of life and you've very ably communicated this very important fact. Also laughter and happiness produces good chemicals that help heal us; I'm no doctor but I know this is true.

    Love, light & peace

    Georgia


  • Jeremy0826 gold member
    November 30, 2006
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    Thank you for your entry!
    Good luck to you with it in the contest.


    Jeremy0826

  • Legend silver member
    August 25, 2006
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    Congratulations on your award.I recall my wife going for her wig at a big store called Jessops,I think she wore it once then proudly paraded her bald head,this she has done twice since and is now in the process of regrowing it after her last course of chemo.To tell the truth myself and my three daughter prefer her with a bald head , and are trying to get her to keep it Another wonderful write from a contest that has provided some wonderfully positive pieces Well done

  • Huntress silver member
    August 25, 2006
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    Congratulations My mom went through all the chemo and radiation she is slowly recovering from it. She liked to wear a sock hat on her bald head I wish you a healthy recovery. Take care
  • Vera Rich gold member
    August 25, 2006
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    Thank you very much for the silver trophy... it is good to see such encouraging news of your friend. If they really have caught it in time so that she does not have to have chemo- and radio-therapy, that is great news. But if she does... well, chemo is a great inconvenience and interferes with all kinds of things that one wants to do (e.g. in my case since foreign travel is not permitted I shall not be able to attend the formal launch of my new book, and shall have to deliver a paper at a university conference by video-link!) but on the other hand, if the doctors do think it necessary or advisable... well, a few months of inconvenience is surely worth it...

  • greyhaime Greeters member
    August 25, 2006
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    thank you again for this,,

  • greyhaime Greeters member
    August 25, 2006
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    thank you so much for your entry, it was a greaat write, with a bit of humor, which Mary will love.thanks again,
    Many blessings to you and yours-
    Krystal

  • Cyber Artist Moderators member
    July 8, 2006
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    H) This contest is being judged by a moderaror after the contest owner failed to judge it in the time aloted.
    each poem has been read and considered for its ability to emote, its structure and comformity with in the contest guidlines.
    As it is being judged by a moderator no formal coment will be given.
    Cyberartist [Moderator]
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