The Wisdom of a Teenager with Cancer

This morning, I went for my annual exam at Scripps Clinic, and while I was having my blood drawn to check my cholesterol, I turned my head away from the needle to read a poem that was posted on the wall. It was written by a teenager with cancer.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading light?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?

When you ask 'how are you?' do you hear a reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in bed with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child 'we'll do it tomorrow'?

And in your haste not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die, cause you never had time to call up and say 'Hi'

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race,

Do take it slower.

Hear the music,

Before the song is over.