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

[red93]

Marvellous Work dear Kelly, so subtle and emotive how you pull these strings. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you so much, Tony! My best to you, always!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thanks for this poem...it is rough going through it...especially with friends who died so young because of cancer...Cancer plays no favorites and any age is allowed.
Moving poem, Kelly,
j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your voice is the exclamation mark I wanted! Thank you, J!

[Trace]

This is really , l mean REALLY good. I got Misty eyed.
Thats all l've got.

Huggs, Trace

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's never easy to review something so evocative. It usually takes me a while to conjure up what I want to say. Must appreciative of your visit, Trace. Thank you!

[Trace]

On a side note the picture of me right now is right after my stepdads funeral.

[Chris Shaw]

waiting for a remission
that never came

How earth shattering that can be Kelly. When the hope has gone and there is only the goodbye. This reminded me so much of the death of both my Dad and younger brother, both taken by this cruel disease. The pain of the funerals and how everything felt so unreal. Thinking it was all a dream and then reality kicked in with vigor again and again. I never thought I’d get through it, but you do. Your poem evokes such strong memories of loss. Your talent at conveying emotion penetrates the reader. Poetry that is memorable.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

Two in one family is two too many. Your review is most evocative, Chris. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your presence here today.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kindness Kelly.

[MCS]

My dear friend, I don’t know what to say, I wish I had the right words to comfort you. You, your family and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers. A beautiful piece of writing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wrote this a few years back and wanted to bring it to light, today. It was written in dedication to those of who have lost loved ones to this dreaded disease. Thank you, Mary!