A nurses poem about the joys and heartaches of oncology nursing

kurtbh · Feb 17, 2000

Originally posted by bshort:
Below is a lovely poem posted with permission of author. Please feel free to post any replies. I found this to be a beautiful and inspiring poem, I hope you feel the same.

SOMETIMES I SEE THEIR FACES
By Connie Followwill

Sometimes I see their faces, as I gaze into the stars.
I feel the echo of their pain. I see the outline of their scars.
So many people I have seen, lose at the same game.
They fight the war most valiantly, but death soon calls their name.

Each one has a story, that's told only to a few select.
To the ones who have time to listen and who know compassion's effect.
Being that "one" isn't easy. On your heart it takes a toll.
Their stories tug at your emotions. They touch the edges of your soul.

But you can't imagine not doing, the job God gave you to do.
For even though there is pain, there are so many treasures too.
Meeting people and hearing, them tell of all their lives have been.
Success, failure, sorrow and joy. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win.

Lending a hand to someone in need. There is no greater feeling of worth.
Then to comfort another, help a friend. It's the greatest feeling on earth.
Cancer is such a vicious thing. It strips them of so much.
Their life, their independence, their dignity. But it can't take away your touch.

Your touch of caring compassion. To let them know you care.
And that they are still a valuable person, even if they don't have any hair.
My heart dances with those who are wining their battle, I see them health and strong.
But my heart breaks with those who are losing. I feel loss in their Swan Song.

Each one leaves a jewel with me, that I cannot explain.
What little I have given does not compare to what I have gained.
And still...
Sometimes I see their faces as I gaze into the stars.
I feel the echo of their pain. I see the outline of their scars.

Again, this poem was written by Connie Followwill and posted with permission

This poem really hits home.

I'm currently a nursing student in Moberly, Mo and my Father is expected tp die of cancer within the next 7 to 10 days.

Thanks for posting this poem. It comes at a great time of need.

Caseyrnbsn · Apr 4, 2000

My father was just Dx. with an in-operable form of cancer. This poem brought tears to my eyes. It truly hits home. God Bless all who care for these patients in their time of need.

Originally posted by kurtbh:
This poem really hits home.
I'm currently a nursing student in Moberly, Mo and my Father is expected tp die of cancer within the next 7 to 10 days.
Thanks for posting this poem. It comes at a great time of need.

Nurse_Jules · Aug 10, 2007

Below is a lovely poem posted with permission of author. Please feel free to post any replies. I found this to be a beautiful and inspiring poem, I hope you feel the same.
SOMETIMES I SEE THEIR FACES
By Connie Followwill
Sometimes I see their faces, as I gaze into the stars.
I feel the echo of their pain. I see the outline of their scars.
So many people I have seen, lose at the same game.
They fight the war most valiantly, but death soon calls their name.
Each one has a story, that's told only to a few select.
To the ones who have time to listen and who know compassion's effect.
Being that "one" isn't easy. On your heart it takes a toll.
Their stories tug at your emotions. They touch the edges of your soul.
But you can't imagine not doing, the job God gave you to do.
For even though there is pain, there are so many treasures too.
Meeting people and hearing, them tell of all their lives have been.
Success, failure, sorrow and joy. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win.
Lending a hand to someone in need. There is no greater feeling of worth.
Then to comfort another, help a friend. It's the greatest feeling on earth.
Cancer is such a vicious thing. It strips them of so much.
Their life, their independence, their dignity. But it can't take away your touch.
Your touch of caring compassion. To let them know you care.
And that they are still a valuable person, even if they don't have any hair.
My heart dances with those who are wining their battle, I see them health and strong.
But my heart breaks with those who are losing. I feel loss in their Swan Song.
Each one leaves a jewel with me, that I cannot explain.
What little I have given does not compare to what I have gained.
And still...
Sometimes I see their faces as I gaze into the stars.
I feel the echo of their pain. I see the outline of their scars.
Again, this poem was written by Connie Followwill and posted with permission
------------------
Brian Short
WORLDWIDE NURSE: The Internet's Nursing Directory
wwnurse.com/

BRIAN,

DO YOU HAVE THE CONTACT INFO FOR THE AUTHOUR OF THIS POEM????

IF SO CAN YOU PLEASE POST IT OR EMAIL TO MY CONTACT EMAIL :

[email protected]

thanks!