Diane Leopard
BECAUSE OF YOU
Because of you I see each new day dawning
I see the stars shining bright in the night skies
Because of you I hear the birds singing in the trees
And smell the fragrance of the flowers
Because of you I hear the children’s laughter
I listen to the old lady who tells tales of long ago
Because of you I dance to the music
And sing out loud
Because of you I have no fear of the dark
I feel the warmth of the sunshine on my face
Because of you I see the colours of the rainbow
And treasure friends old and new
Because of you I am who I am
But who are YOU?
Written by Diane Leopard
March 2023BECAUSE OF YOU
Because of you I see each new day dawning
I see the stars shining bright in the night skies
Because of you I hear the birds singing in the trees
And smell the fragrance of the flowers
Because of you I hear the children’s laughter
I listen to the old lady who tells tales of long ago
Because of you I dance to the music
And sing out loud
Because of you I have no fear of the dark
I feel the warmth of the sunshine on my face
Because of you I see the colours of the rainbow
And treasure friends old and new
Because of you I am who I am
But who are YOU?
Written by Diane Leopard
March 2023
YOU
YOU crept silently into my life
YOU came along without warning
No lights flashing, no sirens screaming
Are YOU real or am I dreaming
YOU turned my world upside down
As only YOU can do
The lights went dim, my head was spinning
I didn’t know if YOU were winning
YOU might stay
YOU might go
Do any of us really know
YOU made my days so cold and lonely
The tears I cried left me empty inside
But, what YOU didn’t know
Is that my world is filled with so much love
I was wrapped up in a loving glove
YOU changed my world but that’s not bad
For every day I feel so glad
The beauty that surrounds us all
Was waiting just outside the door
YOU held my life in your cold hand
But YOU gave my world a loving glow
If YOU should ever call again
I’ll walk with YOU into the rain
But just for now we walk together
Your shadow never far away
YOU may come, YOU may go
YOU may take and YOU may hurt
BUT, just for now I want to say
Thank YOU for giving me a bright new day.
By Diane Leopard
Artist Statement
I am a keen amateur photographer and I enjoy writing poetry. As well as exhibiting my
photography I also deliver a full collection of non-clinical photographs as an illustrated talk
to cancer support groups, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This collection
offers a unique and thought-provoking journey through the emotional impact of a cancer
diagnosis. This collection has received an amazing response, it seems to create a space
for people to talk and express their own emotions. My poetry is influenced by personal
experience but written in a style that I hope others can connect with.
brief biography
I am a clinical complementary therapist living in Stoke-on-Trent, England - home of the
pottery industry and affectionately known as 'The Potteries'. I enjoy spending time with my
husband and family. My hobbies include photography, writing poetry, and cycling.
Aged 49 in 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The treatment all went smoothly.
Following treatment I decided to reflect on my cancer journey by using photography to
describe the emotional impact of cancer. There are now over 50 photographs in the
collection 'Letting Photographs Tell Their Stories' it also expresses stories kindly shared by
other cancer patients. This has been published on several websites, and featured in various
journals, I have been interviewed on UK Health Radio and I have visited many group meetings.
Photography and poetry have been very healing for me, I found a creativity within me that I did not realize existed.