News of cancer
first comes written on the lives
of distant aunts and uncles,
then parents,
eventually sisters and brothers,
and finally friends.
It is not expressed in the same words or tone
as mumps or measles,
flus or fevers,
or asthma or arthritis.
Cancer whispers in hushed tones of discomfort,
then raises its voice like an impatient teen,
until it finally screams an ear-deafening roar.
It trumpets like a transport truck on a gravel road,
filled with fear and packed with pain,
whose retching rumble
is first felt in the distance,
getting louder and louder and louder,
shaking the earth,
until its headlights are upon you.
Fears of falling asleep
haunt the night,
and exhaustion,
drags its feet through the day.
The hour is set
by investigations, medications, and consultations,
and the minutes marked
by the capable hands of nurses.
It is a land
where everything is turned on its side,
where most everyday things are done with assistance,
and bodily functions are carried through tubes.
It is a place
where finger tips reaching into the darkness
are taken by those we love,
where tears tumble onto pillows
in the quiet of the night,
and where a friend’s voice pierces
the clickety-clack, beep beep, and sigh-groan
of machines working in the background.
It is where eyes open
to see the sun rise again,
only because,
God has faith in us.
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I was super touched by this Larry. Cancer touches the lives of so many. And for you, it also brought about an amazing poem. Thanks for sharing your experience. Your faith in God and the people around you will pull you through this.
Larry, I am glad to see that Winston is providing you with some cuddly comfort and inspiration as you make your way through recovery. Baruch Hashem.
Thank you for sharing this moving poem, Larry. I got a glimpse of the ordeal you and many others had gone through…it’s amazing how you captured this experience with quiet courage. God bless you.
Your poetry makes things so real and in this case it is cancer that becomes so real and personal. You have a God given talent for making the obscure very personal. Thanks for taking us with you on your journey! We are indeed blessed by your presence and talents.
Beautiful poem
What raw pain, honesty and love you have painted here, Larry. God bless you every minute of every hour of every day. Recover well. I hear you are doing laps around the parking lot.
Well done Larry. As a fellow traveller, you have perfectly captured the route followed. Family, friends, but mostly the hand of God, will lead you safely to your healthy destination.
Thank you for sharing. The strength and faith you show in this poem tells me you’re prepared to beat this cancer.