"I wish I had the voice of Homer to sing of rectal carcinoma"

In this quote, John B. S. Haldane expresses a desire to have the poetic and effective voice of Homer, the ancient Greek poet, in order to discuss a major and often taboo topic: rectal carcinoma. Rectal cancer is a kind of cancer that impacts the anus, the final portion of the big intestine. By referencing Homer, Haldane is highlighting the significance and complexity of this disease, and possibly likewise acknowledging the difficulty of discussing it openly. He might likewise be suggesting that only a truly experienced and gifted author like Homer might justify such a tough and sensitive subject. Overall, this quote talks to the power of language and the requirement for experienced writers to deal with essential and tough topics.