Alone
in a crowd of friendly professionals
masking desperate and exhausted
with awkward quips and acts of conspicuous competence.
As if I too
must earn my credentials;
A place at this
examination table.
On the menu,
once again,
is my child.
Her comfort, her privacy, her hair…
Our resources, our energy, our sleep…
Devoured
in five courses of medical necessity.
And for dessert:
sanity.
Bon appetit
Insatiable, uninvited guest.
Take what you want from me.
Just leave her
Alone.
So here’s us, on the upswing after 2 horrible weeks. Mouth/throat sores are a special kind of hell. She’s now eating through a NG (nose) tube as we brace ourself for 3 more rounds of that particular chemo. 4 months down, 21 to go.
So Here's Us... 
March 10th, 2015 at 9:54 pm
i just can’t imagine all that you guys have been through…. and the strength it must take to keep going when you know you have months and months ahead. praying for you all.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:41 pm
Some days are strong, others are fueled by donuts and the kindness of others. 😉 Thanks!
March 11th, 2015 at 9:18 am
It’s such a privilege to peek into your soul as you wade through this terrible/beautiful/unimaginable chapter of your family’s life. If only fierce poetry could kick cancer’s ass. I’m glad to hear about the recent upswing, but sad to know that it’s an upswing compared to hell.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Cancer is such a shit. We will kick it’s ass. Maybe poetry will help…
July 10th, 2015 at 9:09 am
so much love coming your way. I am so sorry. She is so so brave. Beautiful poetry
July 19th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Thank you!