The Big C

By Pareezad Nowroji Berlin

A mother, daughter sister and wife Full of energy, laughter and life A wonderful woman in her prime And then it began- one nasty cell at a time It started tiny, insignificant and small And yet, she managed to function No fuss, she brushed it off - She had things to do - she was a mother after all. Weeks passed and she grew pale The meds weren’t working Into their lives it came - The cancer- pure evil lurking Then we were told - She has cancer There isn’t much more to do or to say She fought hard, never complained Took every treatment, regardless of the pain

It invaded the core of her being Destroyed her, it grew and multiplied She remained hopeful, still managed to smile She remained hopeful, Right till, the day she died. Another amazing lady Tall, stately, graceful and kind The cancer destroyed her,

devastated her body, spine and mind For years she stayed positive, for years she fought Giving up was not an option It was finally gone-

Or so we thought

It disappeared, it retreated It seemed to have gone - Then before we knew it was back Menacing, it left her broken and utterly debilitated.

A beautiful soul, exhausted - She breathed her last-On the 12th of April

The torture was finally over

She peacefully passed. It is an equaliser this beast we know as cancer Young, old, rich or poor it feeds on anyone it chooses, regardless of colour. A few have been fortunate to have fought and survived after years of recuperating and are well and alive To Those amazing warriors we lost We remember you each day,

The battle was hard, and so very high the cost

the need of the hour is a cure, that is the prayer we say.

By Pareezad Nowroji Berlin