Poetry for cancer patients can be a healing process themselves. As a poem writer, I have known many cancer patients who have been prescribed this challenging but enlightening genre of writing. After much speculation, most cancer patients and their caregivers have come to the realization that poetry is indeed a therapeutic art. Cancer patients may write poetry about their treatments are often the most difficult to bear and can reveal feelings of hopelessness and anger. Poetry can help them connect with past experiences and hopefully find insight into present day choices. In some instances, a poem can be an avenue for the patient to voice their opinion or for them to vent their frustrations.
Some cancer patients have written poetry in response to their hospital visits. These poems can be short stories about times they found themselves in life threatening situations such as being involved in a car accident or near a cliff. The writings reveal a feeling of fear but also hope for recovery. Some writings even tell of triumph over the disease.
One of the most common themes in poetry for cancer is that of loss. Cancer patients commonly write about the loss of a loved one or the devastation of chemotherapy. These poems not only provide a point of view, but also detail personal details about the deceased. Other poems focus on positive accomplishments in the sufferer’s life, reciting the poem aloud as a means of reminding themselves of the goals achieved and how hard they and their family have worked to achieve them.
Of all the genres of creative writing, African poetry has the highest rate of positive reviews. The majority of these positive reviews come from people who enjoyed the poetry. These poems are often very descriptive and are written in simple yet powerful language. Some of these poems even include sounds, symbols and images from nature. Some of the more popular African poetic classics are “I am Legend” by Kenyan Muhamed Elumery, “The Book of My Desires” by Nigerian Mukpa Idiagdon, “Uganda” by Kamau Tuka and “Wind: Breathing Ways” by Nigerian poet Chinua Achebe.
African American poetry also offers some of the most inspirational pieces of writing. Some of these poems deal with issues dealing with the death of a loved one or going through the effects of chemotherapy. Others deal with the effect of the Emphysema condition on a person’s body and mind. Some poems feature children reciting poems that talk about feeling like adults while still being very young.
In conclusion, it can be said that poetry for cancer can be beneficial for both the poet as well as the reader. Poets deal with emotions and human nature, which listeners can easily relate to and appreciate. On the other hand, the readers can gain new insights into the lives of African American and Native American creative writers through such poems as “Take Me To The woods where trees and wildlife beautify and feed” by Shallie Allen. In this book, you will find the poem “Wake Up,” which is dedicated to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.