The C Bomb

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~ about my husband being diagnosed with cancer ~

Listen to poem:

there he was
in his white coat
afraid of our reaction
as he dropped the C word

we watched it bounce off the floor
and hang there suspended
no one reaching to grab it
we all sat there with a blank stare

pretending to be deaf
frozen in disbelief
biting our tongue
holding our breath

limp arms down our sides
it couldn’t be
how could it be
wanting to unhear the word

but there it was
in all its ugliness
in the middle of the room
while the coat made its exit
that throbbing C word 
loaded and sobering
resonating in our ears
leaving us in shock



Published in my 24-page photo/anthology ~THE POWER OF TWO~ 2020

AP: 1st place

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Constance La France

Date: 2/15/2021 9:35:00 AM

Line, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest with this wonderful write _Constance

Line Gauthier
Date: 2/15/2021 12:16:00 PM

Thank you so much, Constance. Most appreciated~

John Watt

Date: 6/13/2020 3:46:00 AM

This was a very personal write, and I imagine it wasn't an easy one to write. I remember the C word doctor visit with my father and how it seemed like a death sentence to my poor mother. I can't even imagine how it felt. But you have written valiantly, and in so doing have encouraged others to face this dreadful word with courage. Blessings ~ John

Line Gauthier
Date: 6/13/2020 1:15:00 PM

Thanks, John. Everyone has been touched in some direct or indirect way by cancer. So tragic.

Mike Gentile

Date: 8/30/2018 12:48:00 PM

You are so spot on calling it the C-word as there it were a curse because it certainly is. Excellent write Line. Those of us touched by it in any way know this xxoo

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/30/2018 1:07:00 PM

Thanks for your words of support, Mike. Most appreciated.

M. L. Kiser

Date: 8/30/2018 12:24:00 PM

A rather well penned piece. I've lost many family and friends to the "C"; it is devastating to watch them go through the agony. You are not alone.

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/30/2018 1:08:00 PM

Yes, ML, my sympathies are with the many people going through this.

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 8/30/2018 8:51:00 AM

I had been bombarded by the"C Bomb"! so many years ago.. the whole family had been devastated and I in agony counting down life breath! It was my mother.. I do feel your words, Line.. I do share your silent pain.. stay solid under the blessings of God.. A work of heart wrapped up in the beauty of art! A FAV. My sincere prayers and deepest regards.

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/30/2018 12:09:00 PM

Thank you so much for your kindness, Besma. Most appreciated.