Dreaming about X

I dreamt about my friend X last night. I don’t think I normally dream about him, and don’t recall having … More

From the archives: What I have learned about cancer

Yesterday was the sixth anniversary of my diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), an aggressive cancer of the lymphatic system. I … More

Breathing Space July The man who lies on his back under huge trees is also up in them. He … More

The only real difference between people is not health or illness but the way each holds onto a sense of … More

‘What drives you?’ ‘I’ve only just woken up!’ I say to the book. ‘Don’t care. It’s morning. Work to be … More

On certain afternoons I am certain it has come back. A twinge in my right side, where the pain … More

The thing about having cancer was that it was pretty obvious what was going on. I had been feeling fairly … More

This blog would be nothing without its readers. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, made a comment or a … More

‘So you’re not going to write about it?’ ‘I’ve been writing about it for years. Two whole books of it! … More

I had bumped into a friend at the cash machine. We greeted each other, as we always do, with a … More

Writing my way through bereavement I don’t approve of death. I’m with Edna St Vincent Millay: I am not … More

Don’t Think About A White Horse Coming closer, he turns out to be you – or nearly. Once you … More

Reading Arthur W. Frank’s astonishing At the Will of the Body recently has given me pause to reflect on the relationship … More

Dear Arthur Frank I’m writing to say thank you for your extraordinary book At the Will of the Body. It is … More

Medicine The black hair of my Chinese doctor gleams like combed ink as he leans over his desk, with quick … More

A year ago I had a relapse of my cancer. Except I didn’t. For a week or so I knew … More

The other day I was asked what I look for in poetry. Needing to give a quick answer I said: I … More

I am taking a break from writing brand new blog posts over the summer. Instead of posting new work I … More

I am taking a break from writing brand new blog posts over the summer. Instead of posting new work I … More

The ward is a void without him. Football blares in the corner, the monotonous roar of the crowd unleavened by … More