Now comes the time of tribulation,
the moon has reached a brand new phase
on this path to my salvation.
With quickening decelleration
this evilness invades my days...
now comes the time of tribulation.
I fought my way through radiation
and cocktails leaving chemical haze
on this path to my salvation.
Dealing with the desecration,
I walk blindly through this maze;
now comes the time of tribulation.
Built and fostered strong foundation
even now I sing His praise;
on this path to my salvation.
But please explain justification
as shell dissolves, disease betrays?
Now comes the time of tribulation
on this path to my salvation.
For my dear sister-in-law, fighting the good fight...
So sorry, Ginny. There are no words for this kind of pain.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorna.
DeleteMy heart and prayers go out to her and to all of you. Your poem is stark reality written with such an able pen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie, I know that you have dealt with a lot yourself, and I appreciate your kind words, my friend.
DeleteYour words and the emotion behind them are a moving tribute. So sorry for you, your sister and your friends and family. Wishing you all the very best at this most difficult and turbulent time x
ReplyDeletenice job on a tough subject. i often wish my mom had decided against her last round of treatment. complications from that got her long before the cancer would have. Thoughts and prayers with your sister in law.
ReplyDeleteYour deft touch made this very difficult subject an inspiring read.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteGinny, this is sad; but I understand the decision. When no positive outcome is possible, what should a person do! We all may be put in this position some day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for having the bravery to share such a personal piece of your soul. I'm sorry. I couldn't think of a better tribute, if that makes any difference.
ReplyDeletei am sorry your sister is going through this...cancer sucks...its hard...and dang it...i dunno what to say...will pray for you and your fam...
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Thoughts with you and your sister. I've only managed one villanelle in my "poetry career" and it's title "Chemo"--like yours, written for a friend who I took to buy a wig.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, would love to read yours if you could share a link. I haven't written many Villanelles. Once I had the two main lines and main rhymes, this one kind of just came right out.
DeleteI first remarked on what an excruciatingly painful poem this must be to write, and even so with the villanelle, which skilfully underlines the themes. It is always so difficult to write such pieces, and my heart goes out to you, your family, and your sister-in-law.
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear this ginny...wishing your sister-in-law and the fam much strength in this difficult time..good job in writing the emotions into a villanelle...
ReplyDeletethe second stanza really got to the crux of your pain
ReplyDeletei'm sorry you have to go through this
fruit essence facial mask
So sad to hear....and your poem is so eloquent in its expression ...plus the form, the rhyme and repetition....just makes for a very strong piece indeed....painful, honest, human....well done Ginny
ReplyDeleteDelicately, you have woven a religious theme within the human condition of cancer. I picked up on the fact it had to be cancer before reading the footnote. A really beautiful and literally eye-opening write.
ReplyDeletePersonally, my wife just experienced her second bout with breast cancer. She is a religious women, Christian. Your poem speaks mightly to me.
Like humming a song from a hymnal, this poem. I admire the strength and conviction your sister-in-law has. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry . Wishing you and your family strength .
ReplyDeleteCancer has taken a few of my closest hearts with them and I completely understand the choice to refuse more treatment. I will be thinking of you both and pray the road runs as painlessly and smooth - whatever the length.
ReplyDelete