I wrote the following poem while staying with my friend at Hope Lodge in Gainesville. She had stem cell transplant and was there for 100 days. I spent a week with her and heard lots of cancer stories and was moved to write about Hope Lodge.





The Beauty of Hope

Almost hidden by surrounding trees
is a house where hope dwells.
Many come, no disrespect for color or conviction,
their crosses to bear.
A full moon overhead watches and waits,
the morning mist lends promise to a brighter day.
Arriving begins early
and doors open to receive the stricken.
Masks, wigs, hoods cover and conceal.
They come to prepare a meal and linger to comfort.
Caring concerns, forced smiles thru tears, food and music
to soothe the soul.
Days run together, winter's dreariness sets in,
Below the soil new life waits for springs rain.
Storms of life come but will never wash away
memories, love, eternal life, nor
the beauty that dwells in hope.