A Hospital Odyssey

This epic poem explores illness, healing, and the complexities of caring for loved ones, as experienced by Maris in A Hospital Odyssey.

In A Hospital Odyssey, the reader embarks on a profound journey that intertwines the themes of illness, healing, and the complexities of caring for loved ones. The poem serves as a reflection on cancer and the emotional turmoil it brings, while also exploring the intricacies of the NHS. The narrative is not only universal in its themes but also deeply relevant in today's context, making it resonate with a wide audience.

The protagonist, Maris, finds herself separated from her husband, Hardy, who is battling cancer. This separation sets her on an imaginative quest through a surreal landscape filled with both real and imagined characters, including doctors, celebrities, and even personified diseases. The poem vividly illustrates the inner workings of the body and the bizarre realms created by illness, depicting the chimeras that emerge in times of distress.

As Maris navigates this strange world, she encounters Aneurin Bevan, the founder of the NHS, engaging in conversations that challenge her understanding of health and care. A Hospital Odyssey is a modern epic, merging elements of fantasy and reality, prompting readers to ponder what it truly means to care for someone who is ill. The work was also adapted for radio, showcasing its powerful narrative and emotional depth.