The Topic of Cancer

The Topic of Cancer

 

  

 

 

It rained the day we buried you.
I acclimated myself to the pain
through the mindless fog

of family and well-wishers

and the overt sound of a furnace

clicking on then off,
as conversations were hushed
by the topic of cancer.

 

I wanted you here

wrapped in the familiarity of home,

watching the pendulum sway of a willow
waiting for the first snow of winter,

waiting for a remission

that never came.

 

 

…that never came.

 

 

The scent of a pipe tobacco lingers

in halls  of framed photographs,

in novels on bedside tables.

And i grieve in this gulf of silence

tethered by the ghost of you.

 

An appendage

to the topic of cancer.

 

 

Author's Note

I wrote this a few years back as a dedication to those who have lost a loved one to this dreaded disease, deciding today, to bring it to light.

Reviews

[Vex]

I always say that there’s power in the things that people are too scared to say.

I’m physically disabled and people have those conversations in hushed tones as well. And I will never understand that. It just is. Might as well talk about these difficult subjects.

This was so tenderly written. I love observational poems such as this that tell the story of a moment.

Thank you for sharing this today.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I lost my dad to lung cancer when I was 23. He was 59 and I was the youngest of eight siblings. This is a fabulous write; reminds me of that line from She Talks to Angels, "She never mentions the word addiction in certain company" I think cancer is a little like that too. It's an invasive thief that steals life and leaves behind a legacy of heartbreak. It's so heart wrenching that it's difficult to even talk about. Just two years ago I lost my sister to colon cancer. She really had a rough go of it. Evil, and I firmly believe that cancer is an evil, knows no boundaries or barriers but only the grave makes everyone equal. We are all going to die. Maybe the living might try to live better for those they have lost in honor of their memory? It's hard to find meaning when even our words are not enough.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Let us pray for the day to dawn, when there will be a cure for this disease. I am so sorry to learn it has taken two members of your family, Fabian. That alone takes an endurance of strength to persevere. Thank you for a most moving review. Bless you!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I liked the play on words, Tropic and Topic, too, a subtle reference to the Henry Miller novel, perhaps. You're such a brilliant poet. Your works are always a pleasure to read. F.

[redzone]

Cancer!! what an ugly sounding word with an even uglier meaning for those who have it and for those around them. But Kelly, you not only make this a "topic" of conversation,, you do this in such a way that allows the reader feel the loss. Your poem is a "brave write", and a topic very much needed.

As I read I was reminded of the book/movie "The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green. And I am reminded of how their "OKAY" became the acceptance while fighting it, meaning of the story. "I have cancer, but I will continue to LIVE!!" I loved this book/movie, and I love your poem Kelly, 'OKAY".
-Curt

[Kelly Scheppers]

How the struggles of our lives effect those we love. It becomes their struggle too, doesn't it? Thank you, Curt!

[Beren]

This poem is both powerful and brutal. I lost almost my entire family to cancer and even the title was a huge reason for my heart to break, but the poem felt even more brutal. It is so powerfully written and touching. I can say that both the subject and the way your poem is written are universal at some point... on favs

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Beren. I wanted to give it a pulse for those who read it.

[nj coleman]

A very moving piece of art you've gifted us, Kelly. It's unfortunate that most people, regrettably, can relate.
This following stanza is heartbreaking and the last 2 lines especially are especially beautiful.
" tethered by the ghost of you." Incredible line!

"The scent of a pipe tobacco lingers
in halls of framed photographs,
in novels on bedside tables.
And i grieve in this gulf of silence
tethered by the ghost of you."

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for the pleasure to know you! Your kindness is most appreciated.

[Michael Sun Bear]

You have written beautifully about a really ugly subject. Your attention to details: the furnace, the scent of tobacco, your beautiful string of words wrapped around the willow, all these details had me feeling a grief that permeated the house, the day. It brought up memories of my own as well.

[Kelly Scheppers]

My favorite detail here, the furnace, was actually taken from when I had a basement apartment at my sister's house. That's where the furnace was, and I became cognizant of it clicking on and off. A memory that stuck with me and served me well, I would say. Thank you, Michael!

[Neville]

its a beast isn't it Kelly and one I know only too well .. but then, doesn't almost everyone .. here, you have more than adequately and sensitively touched on a subject that many avoid .. and filled that space with a deep and true sense of loss .. a magnificent mourning song my friend .. no bull .. Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

You always make such a difference in my day. Thank you, Nev!

[D. Mansfield]

what a beautiful tribute to the idea of someone torn from you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Dan!

[Pete]

a cruel, merciless, dreaded matter indeed. the mere mention of that word is a gut punch. your words are touching and tug at innermost heartstrings.

[Kelly Scheppers]

What a welcomed face you are! Thanks, my friend!

[carl]

Beautiful expressions of loss, longing, and remembrance carried by the things of appendage -carl

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for the kindness of your words, Carl...and your visit!