The man wasn’t yet forty
Had cancer four times
Told her; This time I can’t survive it
She asked; Why are you still at work?
Don’t you want to leave it behind?
Take a trip? See the redwoods?
But before he answered, she knew
The photos on his phlebotomists table
Of three little faces, told her why
And it made her angry that they both lived in a country where
Dying people had to work for their children
To receive healthcare
And she was more angry
With her own lack of appreciation
For a healthy life that she possessed
Without children
Or any reason to try so hard
And he was brave because he had no choice
And she was weak
Because she did
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When I think of the disaster that is healthcare and simply surviving period in this nation, I lose my cool. IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THE WAY that it is. And, it isn’t getting any better.
This poem… the depth and seriousness of it says all that it needs to without saying too much. That’s a gift, Candice.
SO true! It isn’t. 💓
Unfortunately. *sighs* 💙
Wow. This is amazing.
I must echo trE about your poetic gift. And yes…. health care seems to be getting worse in this country. ❣️
Wow. Gorgeous and bittersweet.
You touched my heart and blew my mind, Candice.
I sit and breathe. Something wells up. Is it grief? Is it rage? It is both. The place of a dying man who has young children is with them, making the happiest possible memories, loving with all the strength he has.
Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
TheFeatheredSleep – A man brave of necessity which ought not to be necessary
Seething with justifiable anger
You, my friend, have amazing perception and an amazing heart . . .
This is a true story. He keeps getting cancer he’s so young. It seems incredible he can still work. Your way of seeing this is the only redemptive way of seeing this. His children have an incredible role model.
Haha. I like that.
Wow thank you my friend 💓
Thank you favorite reindeer girl
Indeed it does. My heart aches for that man and his family.
Mine too…and all the others.
💓
Awesome! Thank you for this.
You honor me, my friend 💓
Peace and good health my friend.
Healthcare got worst. Poor old people and people with cancer. Hospital tell people in Michigan. Doesn’t effect credit and seven year will fall off. They want to help and their hands are tied.
Exactly right. It’s deplorable. Every country who wants to call itself civilized should have basic health care for all
And to you lovely friend
I agree my friend. A friend at work with cancer. New system, won’t pay weekly treatment. This is madness.
I do understand that there are needs like doctors in this country want to earn more, but when hard working people are bankrupt by basic healthcare needs it just doesn’t work that’s why when ObamaCare came out I didn’t cheer, it’s not ‘affordable’ healthcare and until it is, the only people who ‘benefit’ are the minority.