I wrote a poem similar to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “My Shadow” about my cancer diagnosis. I look inside and say I’m brave and try to banish dread. I may feel weak, I may be slow, but still I’m not yet ...

I keep it barred, that door into the dark, although a weight still pushes at the bolt. Most days I manage, only now and then my grip grows slack, the lock gives with a jolt. All in my mind. But still ...