Legacy of Hope by Chidube Nkiruka, Listener Poet

Origin Story

This poemee wanted to leave a legacy of doing good in this world. Although at times she becomes discouraged about the inequalities in the world, she is determined to do her part by making sure everyone has access to quality healthcare.

Chidube Nkiruka, Listener Poet
Our Why: Stories from the American Cancer Society’s Patient Support Team
November 2024

Legacy of Hope

By Chidube Nkiruka, Listener Poet

I signed up for this
the goodness
of humanity
prompted me
but speaking candidly
some days, I doubt my sanity
rouse myself panicky
is it all vanity
when the shadows of
inequality and inequity
bother me and depress me
my flame flickering
no longer blazing
but amazing
the embers of hope
smoldering under ashes
then resilience, my oxygen
blows, I phoenix again
but I’m no
exception
we're all lit from birth
to do good before we extinguish
from earth
tho this world darkens
by dearth of compassion
my actions
strobe this globe
with my passion
health
sparked by a mission
greater than myself
ending cancer for every
color and shade
illuminating every place
shining in every way
seeing in everyone a star
meeting people face to face
joining their wavelength
understand what solutions exists,
trailblazing what doesn't
kindling relationships
whatever it takes
hopefully healing
our healthcare crisis
I choose
to provide light
in a time, in a space, where
light often seeks cover… gloom
but I refuse to allow
my hope to be smothered… doom
I'm not self-important
I just believe
every self is important… boom
I will glow,
leaving a legacy of kindness behind
my burning why
I will not apologize

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