The use of poetry in reconciling unfinished business near end-of-life

Abstract

The focus of this case study is on the use of poetry to reconcile unfinished business with a young adult female diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer during her hospital admission for severe cancer treatment side effects. The therapy consisted of a sequence of patient reflection, processing, and action. The patient's reflection resulted in the creation of four short poems that were processed for meaning and emotional content leading to the delineation of unfinished business and a plan of action. Overall, poetry therapy became a catalyst for self-exploration and addressing difficult subject matter allowing the patient to engage in meaningful work during her hospital stay.