A Growing Hope

Violent as the gleaming blade Of a vicious criminal crazed Ferocious as the lion’s jaw Lingering on an innocent calf This wicked affliction forces Its teeth into the harmless heart Bites wildly into vulnerable flesh With haste to destroy and devastate End the life that it penetrates With a hatred that is inhuman – merciless Ruthless as the worst of the worst Abolishing hope as it grows and grows Breaking hearts and wills with its Lack of empathy and sympathy Luring dreams into the night, darkening The promise of a happier day, Filling minds with dread and depression Anxiety that lingers even after The moment has passed and time Struggles to alleviate the pain The widespread anguish of knowing That this big malady holds all of tomorrow Painting the thoughts in hues of doubt Disillusionment and discouragement Feelings clouded with silvery fog Lingering on the emotions in shimmering Waves of deathly black sorrow Breathing fear through the spirit And whispering in tones of weariness Regret and mourning come to the heart Even though some might tell you There is hope.. a flicker of courage The possibility of healing, recovering From this demented beast with its claws Of deathlike horror playing across The light that reminds you life will be brighter Sometime,… after the treatments The drugs and cures that are meant to repair First seem to destroy every awareness That there will be a breath of fresh air A new dawn – a second thought, the color Of joy and promise and miracles prayed for It is only a moment that comes and goes A flicker of optimism amid the skeptical thoughts When you realize only God knows the outcome Of this feared disease, cancer… the ending The sequel will reveal what only He sees And I know, it is only God who can spread Healing where the cancer cells have spread Death and destruction… doubt that dissuades Even the inkling of faith that will tell you God’s love is still alive and well, sending you Inspiration, hope and faith that can reveal the truth…. Cancer can kill the body but the spirit is still God’s His love is the best treatment for this disease The best remedy for any need With God, all things are possible – just believe! Cancer Ivy Poetry Contest Sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke June 1, 2021