About seven years ago, I was asked to perform at the Relay For Life. For those of you who may not be familiar with this event, it is a community-based fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
At the time, I was regularly going to open mic events, occasionally performing, while other times just being a spectator. When I was asked to do a piece for the cancer walk, even though I am not a singer, I knew I wanted to perform to music and the way I wanted the flow to go.
I had the idea to alternate between someone singing their hook, while I would speak my part to music. Knowing a lot of people in the artistic community, I asked one of my friends Kimmy, who was singing at a lot of local events to collaborate with me. Kimmy accepted the invitation to sing and write the hook, while I wrote my part based around what she chose, and of course, the ugly topic at hand: cancer.
Unfortunately, due to some issues with the music we used for the performance, we could not publicly share the recorded version, however, I wanted to share with my readers the words we put together.
Kimmy’s Hook:
Finally, I see what the fight has made in me
Finally, it’s not what the world in naming me
Try and paint my picture black
Try and push me off the track
Finally, I see through the mirror facing me
Facing me
My First part:
How do you live
When you’re told you’re going to die
The black clouds that fill the sky
A report
That changes life
Questions
Praying to God
Making negotiations
If only you will take this from me
This diagnosis
The prognosis
Another phase
Harsh cycle of life
Time
Running out
Breath trying to be sucked from the being
Life has taken on new meaning
Kimmy’s Hook:
Finally, I see what the fight has made in me
Finally, it’s not what the world in naming me
Try and paint my picture black
Try and push me off the track
Finally, I see through the mirror facing me
Facing me
My second part:
Cancer, is not your name
It does not define who you are
The mirror, reflects an abstract mosaic
Originally, an unstructured piece of art
Made of pebbles and stones
Raised precisely into a beautiful art form
That is fearfully and wonderfully made
Each shape, cut and color
Perfect
Designed for a purpose
The mirror
A reflection of courage, strength and will
Each defined intricately
Kimmy’s Hook:
Finally, I see what the fight has made in me
Finally, it’s not what the world in naming me
Try and paint my picture black
Try and push me off the track
Finally, I see through the mirror facing me
Facing me
My Last part:
Finally
The hope that creates purpose
Of a stronger, more inspired individual
Cancer teaches you more than it takes
Celebrating, a chance at life
Living one moment at a time
Taking nothing for granted
The black clouds have faded away
The sun is shining
It’s a new day
Weeping may endure for a night
But joy, comes, in the morning
Finally, finally, yes….finally
