(While at the hospital almost seven years ago for the birth of our new grandson, I spoke to a father whose daughter was undergoing chemotherapy. These were his words.)
So I cannot cease,
Nor can rest,
Knowing you’re in pain –
I would do and I
Would undo
So many things now
My child: if I could
Somehow trade
Places with you here —
My heart lies open:
Why can’t I
Save you like I should?
8-22-2015
she told me that she didn’t have much time
what wasn’t her had occupied her space
and they were going to poison both of them
in hopes that she would live, and it would die
she told me of a lovely little girl
who needed looking after in the morn
of strength that comes from wisdom born of love
of frailty that strikes the bravest down
how do you fight what comes from deep inside
she asked me, then she told me, here am i
this journey isn’t one i’ve ever known
this path is worn, but not you or me
the warmth that fades away, the light that wanes
the helplessness of love to save its own
night is falling on me but i can paint it better than chemo seems to work
