Sometimes when there an abundance of excellent poetry to chose from, the IS&T Pick of the Month is the one that has the most power to move voters and so it is with ‘Vital Signs’ by Emma Baines. When you read comments such as ‘the most beautiful, heart rending poem ever’ and ‘it is an uplifting poem, simple, direct and moving’ – and these are just two of the many you will see below – you really do see the effect of this amazing work.
Emma has been writing for many years and published poetry in magazines and journals including The Lampeter Review, Roundyhouse, Cambria and POEM. In 2011, she edited and contributed to The Month had 32 Days, published by Parthian and has read at festivals and events including the Laugharne Weekend. She also travelled to Ireland on the Coracle literary exchange. Emma has has translated work (from Welsh to English) for Menna Elfyn and her own writing has recently been included in installation by glass artist Linda Norris. This year, she has co-founded a writers group in Pembrokeshire and is currently facilitating poetry workshops to create films based on the Women of West Wales for Llangwm Literary Festival.
Emma has asked that her £10 ‘prize’ be donated to the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!
Vital Signs
We laughed,
in spite of the darkness,
at the circles around your eyes.
and you rolled them
over hand-knitted hats
in the chemo ward,
to cover things we tried to hide.
when I shaved your head
and the last of your hair
fell in your lap, you beamed.
as I showered you,
fresh from surgery,
and you carried your drain
in a floral bag; we joked.
when you unzipped a new breast;
pocketed a new you,
we poked fun at all things false.
but when you smiled from the scanner
a truth was told:
how your bones glow
is beyond the measure of science.
now life is given
its last chance to impress you,
from the bottom of us;
we laugh.
Voters’ comments included:
This poem gets my vote because of its tenderness, the light it shines on love and intimacy. It tells the dark light as Kei Miller would say.
A poem with great feeling, understanding, compassion and warmth.
The light touch of the language contrasted to the subject. It reads as a poem for me.
A very insightful, accessible poem. It has an optimism and strength associated with the sufferers of this sad condition.
It’s such a moving poem — one that everyone can recognise but as it draws to a close it reaches a new realm of love beyond the detritus and heartbreak of lives
Shows complete empathy of a very difficult situation.
Its a beautiful poem, written from the heart, and made me feel that I was there…
The exquisite sensibility and sensitivity of the writing.
Not only through her writing she’s beautiful inside and out. She written for years, but just needs to be noticed for what she’s amazing at doing! She deserves this.
Such an endearing poem representing a journey had by so many. Inspiring and heartfelt
Beautifully written as an expression of a truly difficult time emotionally.
Because this is a sensationally beautiful poem about a difficult and emotive subject.
A wonderful poem born out of sadness but with a strong message of hope and love.
It’s touching and sensitive but also has warmth, humour and humanity in it. Loved it.
This poem is just so beautiful and well measured between the mundane and the profound. I will not forget it.
Emma’s poem is tender and strong at the same time. She uses words beautifully to express intimacy and love in what can be one of the most dehumanising and stressful of situations.
A sharp and compassionate poem, and, what is more, a good one.