Line Gauthier Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

~ about my husband being diagnosed with cancer ~

Listen to poem:

The C Bomb

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 2026, 1st place 2020

Submitted on October 21, 2025 to the contest 2025 POETRY MARATHON MILE 23 sponsored by MARK TONEY  -  RANKED 7TH

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Susan Ashley November 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM Dear Line, I was struck by the intimate, personal, vulnerable, immediate power of your poem. I too, sat "wanting to unhear the word", as I lingered long over the emotion, lack of emotion, the shock of a surreal life-changing moment your poem so effectively brought me into. Your voice over is captivating with its pained undercurrent.. Congratulations for your success in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Line Gauthier November 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM Thanks for most appreciated visit and heartfelt comment, Susan ~ most appreciated

Mark Toney October 25, 2025 at 10:16 AM Line, you effectively deliver “The C Bomb” as the gut-punch diagnosis that it truly is. As you said below,”Everyone has been touched in some direct or indirect way …” A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 23 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 24 has already started. Only 3 more miles to go before the Qualifiers’ Final Placement contest! Mark Toney October 26, 2025 at 12:52 AM Thanks for the reminder :) Line Gauthier October 25, 2025 at 9:44 PM Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Mark. I hope you are pacing yourself and loading up on electrolytes.

Constance La France February 15, 2021 at 9:35 AM Line, congratulations on your win in Brian's contest with this wonderful write _Constance Line Gauthier February 15, 2021 at 12:16 PM Thank you so much, Constance. Most appreciated~

John Watt June 13, 2020 at 3:46 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 June 13, 2020 at 1:15 PM Thanks, John. Everyone has been touched in some direct or indirect way by cancer. So tragic.

Mike Gentile August 30, 2018 at 12:48 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 August 30, 2018 at 1:07 PM Thanks for your words of support, Mike. Most appreciated.

M. L. Kiser August 30, 2018 at 12:24 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 August 30, 2018 at 1:08 PM Yes, ML, my sympathies are with the many people going through this.

Besma Riabi Dziri August 30, 2018 at 8:51 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 August 30, 2018 at 12:09 PM Thank you so much for your kindness, Besma. Most appreciated.