Never the Same Man: A Cardiac Arrest Survivor’s Journey Through Poetry and Recovery

“Never the Same Man“ is a powerful and deeply personal journey of recovery after cardiac arrest, told through the words and poetry of survivor Richard Moore. In this moving podcast episode, Richard shares how creative writing helped him express the complex emotions of survival, healing, and transformation. Co-authored with his father, David Moore, the book captures raw reflections and heartfelt conversations that offer insight into the physical and emotional toll of cardiac arrest—and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life. This episode features readings from the book and a discussion about the healing power of storytelling.

On his first post in our support group, Richard wrote, “[I] wanted to get some words out of my head today, go easy on me, [I’ve] never written anything like this before…”

Building a man
Where once, a stone of a man had stood, left now is a broken body, a heart no good
A fall from a place so safe and warm, into the depths where only the buzzards swarm.
Into a dark that no one knows, a journey to where, not even sea foam blows.
Where the wind and trees don’t get to dance. 
The seeds that are planted don’t stand a chance. 
Absent of stars, moon or sky, where odds are stacked and the wager, high.
A hollow void where this man shouldn’t be, laid out so bare, for all to see. 
Alone and helpless sinking inside, reaching, gasping, no more alive.
Calm and peace allowing to rest, the sand of time no longer compressed. 
A weight now lifted, drifting away, this is my place and here I must lay.
But within that depth lies a sound that speaks. 
A drum that beats and refuses defeat. 
A pulse with no rhythm that started to dance, a song with no words played completely by chance.
A hand on my chest, whispers come now, don’t rest. 
The people I love all put to the test. 
Life being forced, driven and pressed, do what you can and what ever is best.
Next a bolt, thrown at might, thunder charges, angels they fight. 
Laying claim to a body where they posses no right. 
The devil he hounds for his pound of flesh, must pay the toll man to get out of this mess.
Eyes start to flutter showing signs of a spark, lost in the woods, enough of the dark.
Now here lies a man made of stents and stone, glass legs and twisted chest bone. 
A memory so broken that plays on repeat, a muscle repaired that struggles to beat.
Palms held out and feeling for life, the calm of a voice, the warmth of a wife. 
The storm, now settled and rumbles no more, leaving a man washed up on the shore.
A puppet propped up unable to stand, stumbling, falling and needing your hand. 
A child again, the world has turned, back to the start, this life must be earned.
Now the game starts of building a man. 
The board is set and the dice have ran. 
All the same pieces, but never the same man.

Listen now to hear Richard’s inspiring story of survival and creativity. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or simply curious, this episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you of the strength that can be found in vulnerability.

You can listen to the episodes above or on Spotify, Apple or your favourite podcast player.

Paul Swindell

After our first meet-up in February 2015, I realised I was not alone. It was the first time since my cardiac arrest the previous year that I had spoken face-to-face with someone who had experienced what I had. This was also true for my wife, who also happened to be my lifesaver. From that meet-up, the idea of SCA UK was born. Since then, we have achieved a considerable amount, primarily providing information, resources and support to others in a similar situation but also raising the profile of survivorship and the need for better post-discharge care. We are starting to get traction in this, and with the formation of the charity, I genuinely believe we have a bright future ahead and will make a significant difference in the lives of many who join our ranks.