Kindred Misfortune

Life throws so many punches, most come as a surprise,
But nothing hurts as bad as when our loved ones lose their lives.
It’s one thing if they're older, or if you have time to prepare,
But watching them wither away so quickly, no hurt can compare.
You read about it in the paper, you watch specials on the news,
Never sitting back to ponder on if you’ll ever be in their shoes.
How incredibly powerful is it, that one single telephone call,
Could choose your family’s fate, saying, “there’s not much time at all.”
With a heavy heart and tearful eyes, you look at them and say,
From here on out, it’s in God’s hands, all we can do is pray.
So each day when you see them, you look in admiration,
Knowing that the life that stands in front you could be taken.
The journey is a long one, with many hugs and tears,
Not knowing if they’ll be with you for days, months or years.
Weekly doctor visits and lab tests become the brand new norm,
You question every treatment, is it doing more good then harm?
As months go by their looking less and less like their true self,
Activities of daily life, now all require help.
Life as you once knew it, now is a thing of the past,
The look in their eyes tell you that today just may be their last.
With their hand in yours, you kiss them, whispering, “it’s okay now, you can go.”
Your heart breaks into pieces, the tears begin to flow.
This killer, known as CANCER, is more than a disease,
You may even question God..it’ll bring you to your knees.
Mamas taken from their babies, husbands from their wives,
When you hear other’s stories, most end with premature goodbyes.
So be thankful for your family, don’t take anyone for granted,
There’s nothing you can do to change the cards that you’ve been handed.

190th Weekly Poetry Contest

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