It appeared at me one day, no prior hint or decent warning,
And introduced itself with no formalities or manners, just a shock,
It rested in my chest, taking comfort in my softness,
Held to be discovered, to be dealt with, once exposed.
I had no sense you were here, I told it with words silent,
How long have you been hiding here, alone?
I knew it from that foremost dreadful moment,
My day, my week, my life had turned to stone.
The confirmation at the clinic was relieving in a way,
Plans of treatment, course of action, elements of care,
Futility continues to be fleeting, day to day,
Time to paddle hard away despair.