Article 3: August 31st

By Kassidy Burden

Glioblastoma
Such a pretty word
it could be the name of a queen
a most sinister queen

It happened so suddenly,
A part of my world came crashing down.
I hope for the best,
But I knew the worst.

You came home
I was very excited.
You were here!
But I knew why
This was the last time.

Things were good,
but then they got worse.
You knew my face and it caused you such joy
But then it would slip
And you’d forget.

How’s your son?

I don’t have a son

Are you my nurse?

I’m not a nurse.

Why are you keeping me here?

I can’t bring myself to tell you.

That’s not right?

No, my hands aren’t normally blue.

One day they all told me I had to see you,

But they never told me why.
When I saw her,
That’s when I knew.
It was time.

It didn’t feel real.

I held your hand and told you I was here,
I wasn’t leaving you.

We sat on each side.
We held your hands
Until they went cold.

In. Out.

In. Out.

In. Out.

I’ll never forget that blue butterfly.

You feel empty.

Like a piece of the puzzle we call our lives is missing.

Yet,

We feel heavy.

The whole left behind has added more weight.

It doesn’t get easier.

It never gets easier.

Our bodies just get stronger.

We adapt.

About the Poet: Kassidy Burden was born and raised in Thompson where she currently lives with her family. She is enrolled at UCN in the bachelor of arts program. Her poem is about the passing of a loved one and the struggles it can bring. Kassidy has dedicated this poem to her late grandfather John ‘Jack’ Burden, who was the airport manager in Thompson until his retirement. He had a love of hockey and coached all ages in Thompson for over 20 years. The annual Jack Burden Memorial Novice Hockey tournament is held every year in Thompson to thank him for his contributions to hockey in Thompson. Kassidy attributes many of her hobbies and passions to her “Papa’s” enthusiasm and support.

Instructor’s Remarks: Kassidy Burden is the print copy designer for Muses from the North. She has shown her talents in both words and graphic design. As her instructor and supervisor, I am proud of this young artist. (Dr. Ying Kong)