a poem for us all

Here is a poem from my dear friend, Alexandra Pippitt. Alex is an amazing woman who is battling ovarian cancer. She is the strongest person I know. Here is a little piece of Alex to share with you all.

I Will Choose Joy

I will choose joy
Today at least.
Though I may soon fall into fear,
Though I beg to give up on hope
And hope for all around me.

I will choose joy
Now. But find it a gaseous emotion
Condensing as it can into terror, solid, cold
Immense upon my heart,
Freezing my lips from laughter.

I will choose joy
Again; for the others before and after
Because we all are dying
From life, and tests, and poison cures
that subjugate our will.

I will choose joy
For this moment--every moment I can.
And let choice lift me, lift us
While holding on.
While we still hope.

~Alexandra Pippitt, draft 12, 3/25/2006 5:00:37 PM