JOAN MASON

To My Friends In The Proton Ray Department...

I am scared, so I chatter too brightly
I am scared, but I won't let it show
I remember in childhood "Hush darling don't fuss..
We must set good examples you know"

Did the MAN really say "It a tumour"
and "I'm going to mark it with clips"?
"Can I run? Can I hide?" on the inside I cried
But the outside showed nothing of this

I carefully read through the booklet
(one must be prepared as you know)
How they'd make me a mask and clap me in irons
Oh God! I can't do this - let's go.

The I met you - The TEAM - my fears faded
You were gentle and kind and explained
Exactly what could be expected
And promised me there'd be no pain

You made me feel that I was a person
Not a patient, an eye on a screen
But someone who mattered, you showed how you cared
And I lost my desire to scream

There are no better words than just THANK YOU
But they hardly express how I feel
From despair, gloom and fright, now the future is bright
Thank you all for your most precious skill

I know I will never forget you
I'll remember you each single day
When I look in the mirror at BOTH of my eyes
Saved by your skill with the PROTON RAY


© Joan Mason, 22nd June 1999