this is the reality of
man losing his hair of a woman losing her breasts
this is the sadness of
having to exist and no longer benefiting about the promises of
living

they say this is just a trial
of that long and lasting error
one hopes after every chemotherapy
in each vomit
one sticks to life after every harsh radiation
clinging to every remaining healthy flesh
each cell
rebelling upon another

the doctor says
now madam you are cancer free

but it will only be for months
and so there is another party with friends
and supportive members of your family
only to wake up in the morning
with blood oozing
flooding your linens

there will be relapses
and those cancer cells that did not die
comes again
like a warrior wounded
now stronger than ever

given the expensive choices
of money
and emotions

i guess, you may call me cruel,
the correct and rightful option
is merely to surrender

it is only the body that dies
the soul perfect as usual flies again heeding for its real home....

RIC S. BASTASA

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cancer-patient/