22/06/2026
ROOM WITH A VIEW
This poem was written during one of the loneliest periods of my life whilst isolated in hospital with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
At the time, social media was full of photographs of people heading out into the dark skies to watch a spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis.
Everyone seemed excited, sharing photographs, and happy memories of this unusual nationwide spectacle.
Meanwhile, I was standing at the window of my hospital room.
I pressed my face against the glass, hoping to catch even the faintest glimpse of those dancing lights.
But there was no Aurora.
No star-filled sky.
Just street lamps, hospital lights reflected in opposite windows, grey rooftops, and the flashing blue lights of ambulances arriving and departing in a constant stream below.
After months of chemotherapy, infections, transfusions, and isolation, it felt as though the world was carrying on without me.
I missed the simple things most people barely notice; trees swaying in the breeze, birds singing in the garden, stars overhead, and my dog standing watch in the garden at home.
This poem became my reminder that although my surroundings had changed, the things I loved were still waiting for me.
And one day, somehow, I would return to them.
If you’ve ever felt isolated by illness, grief, loss, or circumstances beyond your control, I hope these words remind you that it’s okay to hold onto the memories of brighter days while believing there are more still to come.
Poetry for Purpose – Written in Darkness. Shared in Light.
A collection of poems written during my year-long battle with blood cancer and stem cell transplant journey. All royalties help support blood cancer charities and hospital initiatives supporting patients through treatment. (Anthony Nolan and Wessex BMTCT).
Buy here: https://amzn.eu/d/08Nw08cU
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