Pagosa Springs Artists

Signs of Chemo

Taped all around, two

capped plastic lines

protrude from the hole

in his neck, lifelines

for the infused chemo

that sustains, that kills.

 

Killing good and bad

indiscriminately, albeit

instantly, inadvertantly

turning his stomach,

tearing down muscle

control, his strength,

messing with his mind,

his balance.

 

Swollen feet barely fit

in double-wide loafers,

a cane helps stabilize,

doesn't prevent lurches

against walls, bruised

arms, sudden falls.

 

He sleeps more,

eats less, loses

weight and interest

in moving, in living.

 

 

 

first published in The Penwood Review

©2020 Bonnie Manion

   

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