A Los Angeles cancer survivor struts her stuff for a photo shoot, tells her touching story to the photographer, and brings about a rare occurrence–he’s inspired to write a poem. And the fair maiden is living happily ever after.
CANCER CAN’T CATCH HER
I know cancer can be fast.
Just a blur
Just a flash
A loved one is here
Then catch
Then gone
They told this lady she was caught
You don’t have long
Just a blur
Just a flash
The fine lady did protest
My days are not half done
I have another marathon to run
Life to love
More fun in the sun
Doctors here and doctors there
They shook their heads
Not much we can do
Not many days left
This lady didn’t give up
She searched far and wide
And when all hope was lost
It was found again
There’s a new medicine trick
It sounded like magic
But it hadn’t been tried
The lady bravely stood up
Let’s give it a ride.
…and then…
Lo and behold
Just like a fairy tale
The enchantment did work
The fair maiden was saved
I’ve seen cancer catch many, and drag them away. Uncles, aunts, cousins. Two friends, too young. One father, too sad.
So I was pleased, when this lady asked a favor of me. Make pictures for others, who are sick, to see, how they may be.
Show me running, healthy, happy and free.
Catch how I can be fast
Just a blur
Just a flash
The fine lady did attest
My days are not half done
I have another marathon to run
Life to love
More fun in the sun
written & shot by Los Angeles photographer Gregory Mancuso