Wonderment

Hope is not about being optimistic.   Hope is a verb, and you have to work at it, you have to do things .

Ian McFeat,  California fire survivor

Lost in a time of wonderment, 
taken through a cobweb of tangents 
of nuclear doctors to orthopedists, all trying to save all souls.
Hope and foreboding slides past their tongues from stony faces; mouthing phrases such as life-threatening, blocking important airways, and the possibility of sudden strokes.
The radiation has done a good job on others, and then, we can do more are other phrases that warms this room, where white walls ooze the cold, through squares of vents.
They’re going to form a mask, 
to hide under a face of lead, to protect one from further harm. 
Behind this newly made disguise lies 
an ocean that’s underneath an ocean, of fear with waves of anxiety washing us away.
Put on that happy smile, though
truly there is a frown, and shifting eyes of fear.  Fear to face what pain might come,  fear that we might meet our maker with all those little things we’ve done.
The air bears the heaviness of trying to stay positive in a negative situation. 
Though, people, have been kind and wonderfully civil, something not seen much these days of egoism. 
Their presents help, thankful, we ride the Rollercoaster of tests.
Trying to have fortitude for 
our sons and daughters, for
friends still there, and spouses, hand in hand,
thinking the same thing after forty years. 
To give them a blessing,
of trudging on though one can smell the whiff of death.
To be a warrior in the battle of life, with engraven hope upon their swords.
Marching towards God with angels at your sides, to fight the fight
with eyes wide open.

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Happy new year, everyone!

Facing cancer is a daunting task, and right now, I’m in need of some support. As a spiritual poet originally from Colorado, I’ve always believed in the power of community, and it’s in this spirit that I’m reaching out. With upcoming radiation and chemotherapy, the financial strain is overwhelming. I created a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses that have become a source of stress as I navigate this challenging journey.

Your support could be a light in this tough time. I believe in the healing power of art and connection, and your contributions would allow me to concentrate on what truly matters—my health, my poetry, and my relationships. Each dollar can make a difference, helping me to manage costs so I can focus on recovery and continue sharing my journey through poetry.

Please consider visiting my GoFundMe page, and if you can’t contribute financially, sharing this message would mean a lot. Together, we can create a wave of support that lifts us all. Thank you for being part of my story. Your kindness truly makes a difference.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2025,
Lisa

Here is a link to Lisa’s author page with years of her original poems here on Boulder Jewish News.