The Doctor Said


There's nothing we can do, the doctor said!
     It was December, nineteen-seventy.
At once, those words exploded in my head
     and pierced my heart- which broke in agony.

How could this be- she's much too young to die
     at fifty-four, and I, just thirty-two?
Convulsed in tears, I begged the question, why-
     please, doctor, tell me, please- this is not true!

To lymph nodes, bones- the killer-cancer crept-
     too late for surgery or chemo now.
The doctor's sad, dark eyes said, please accept
     this news I give- which we can't disavow.

She passed away late summer, the next year;
     those long nine months- such painful reveries.
Though, forty-nine years now- I still hold dear
     my loved, missed Mom- in dusty memories.


July 31, 2020

Contest: Dusty Old Memories
Sponsor: Constance La France
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Koplin Avatar
August 9, 2020 at 3:25 PM
Very powerful and well written! Cancer took my mother at a young age as well. Congratulations on your win
La France Avatar
August 7, 2020 at 12:32 PM
Sandra, congratulations on your win in my memories challenge with this excellent write, so emotional, it truly touched my heart, a FAV for me _Constance
Haight Avatar
September 1, 2020 at 9:10 AM
I really enjoyed your contest, Constance. Thank you for your uplifting comment, FAV, and nice placement. Sandra
Andresen Avatar
August 7, 2020 at 1:41 AM
- A sad poem with dusty memories, Sandra - Congratulations on your win :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Watt Avatar
August 6, 2020 at 11:09 PM
Dear Sandra, thank you for putting into your beautiful poetic words what many of us feel about our loved ones. Perfect, touching, and gorgeous, I congratulate your #1 ~ John
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