Uncomfortable Skin
Now fifty five and one half years
Spring rains are falling soft like tears
While all about grows fresh and green
A growing threat, as yet unseen
Is still a harmless friend.
Discoloured patch of forearm skin
I can’t remember, did it begin
This year, or last or one before?
Nothing to bring it to the fore
Creeping forward to a dangerous end.
“Why don’t you visit the GP”
“Is it something he’ll want to see?”
Never thought it would be serious
Diagnosed it as ‘mysterious’
The consultant, you must attend.
Studies the consultant’s expert eye
“Suspicious mole!” I hear him cry
And quickly reaches his decision
We will remove it by excision
Then for biopsy a sample send.
Swift surgeon’s knife removes the mark
A few more weeks kept in the dark
Then as a judge his sentence passed
Solemn conclusions delivered at last
Melanoma - but likely you will mend.
Although expecting something wrong
Shock still hits like a hammered gong
Brave face belies the inner fear
Cancer brings so little cheer
To take around life’s bend
More skin excised, we must be clear
Those sickly cells that might be near
Are all removed and risk is low
And hope you’ll never say hello
Again, carcinogenic friend.
(C) Glyn Smith 2014
