Wounded Whisper

It was on a bleak afternoon,
That Cancer came and brashly whispered,
‘I am going to be with you for ever.
Follow me wherever I lead you.
Fight back if you can, rather if you dare.
But indomitable I am, you know’.

The wounding whisper reverberated in his ears.
Never had John been punched so hard.
Shocked beyond even a sigh or silent moan.
Dumb he stood so petrified.
He saw his dreams fall apart.
The sky-high edifices crumbling down.
The soil under his feet giving way.
With a lovely family and an aspiring career,
With life, he was passionately in love!

The remaining days were a Marathon race,
From hospitals to labs and from oncologists to specialists.
While passing through the ordeal of radiation and chemo
Bravely he fought back the pain and nausea,
For hope had reigned supreme
And for his family, he must live!
‘I will don my armour and brandish my steel.
I will not yield! Oh! Never shall I give in.
I shall make it through and come out victorious’.

But soon he realized it to be a tough battle
And saw the chances of winning too bleak.
The villain had almost taken his sway. 
And day by day his body grew frail.
He heard the wounding whisper of death
More often and found resistance impossible!


May. 24.2023

~ Placed First~

This or That Volume 14 Poetry Contest
Sponsor – Edward Ibeh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Miller Avatar
June 12, 2023 at 1:09 AM
Congratulations, Valsa, on a well-deserved win!
Poet Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 5:12 PM
Dear Valsa, it is with great pleasure that I'm back to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your top contest win in the contest. Your work is truly touching, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Sincerely,
Ibeh Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 4:58 PM
Powerful, poignant, all-around great poem, Valsa:-) Heartiest congratulations on your top win!
George Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 10:15 PM
Thank you so much dear Edward for placing my poem in the top. As ever, this time also I enjoyed taking part in your contest.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 26, 2023 at 7:25 AM
So sad, but I know what it means. Losing a dear friend is such a soulful pain.
Baker Avatar
May 25, 2023 at 4:05 PM
So sad that death can bring us to submission with those evil whispers. An engaging poem, Valsa, sad as it is. A fine entry for the contest, my dear friend. Good luck! A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Rolland Avatar
May 25, 2023 at 12:08 AM
this is so sad, cancer punch everyone, we have to care about us and poeple who fight, thanks for the poem, i know some people here
Pandit Avatar
May 24, 2023 at 1:47 PM
But soon he realized it to be a tough battle---that is how cancer dominates the lives. No cure yet, despite advance of medicine. Aptly evoked poignant emotions throughout, Valsa. Best to you.
Hind Avatar
May 24, 2023 at 12:43 PM
This is very tragic. You penned it beautifully.
Poet Avatar
May 24, 2023 at 7:41 AM
What an awful ordeal, having to combat cancer. There are thousands of casualties and psychological scars for every audible wound. This is not the time to doubt. Absolutely perfect poetry. Good luck with the contest
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