January, 18th 2025: Join us for food, drinks, dancing, and author sharing — all to support our mission. Learn more here!
The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.
The Elephant in the Room is Cancer. Tea is the Relief Conversation Provides.
Summer’s story and original artwork is featured in our March 2025 magazine issue. Click here to read “My Identity After Cancer.”
I grieve every life
I could have lived these past years.
I miss who I was.
My existence, spent
on bags of bright coloured drugs
and hair in my hands.
Time spent counting each
fallen eyelash in my hands,
wishing on each one.
My calendar full
of crossed out plans, scribbled in
dark red pen; “scan day”
“Appointment with nurse”
“Check in with oncologist”
No time to spend on
anything other
than trying to extend my
time on this planet.
Nothing makes much sense
anymore. Irony rules
my every move.
Sliced open to heal—
what a backwards sentiment.
I limp toward peace.
The IV bag drips
veins shudder from the poison.
It will save my life.
Curative treatment,
but the person I was, died.
a life forgotten.
Original artwork by Summer Konechny. To see more, visit her blog: summerkonechny.substack.com
Elephants and Tea is a trademark of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under federal tax guidelines.
Join the Conversation!
Leave a comment below. Remember to keep it positive!