33 of 95

by Valerie Zwald

My grandmother called it "the animal"
She would say it was eating her
Feasting on her
From the inside out
She was angry, my grandmother, not a willing host
It did not matter
The animal did eat her, did devour her
No one else saw the violence in her death
Only I knew the gruesome truth

As she lay, calm and still in her coffin
I wondered if the animal had left
Anything inside of her
If she were hollow, empty
A shell
She did not look empty
She did not look angry, either
But I knew better

In the years since
The animal has stalked prey
All around me
I have watched them fall, one by one
Battling, fighting
Burning, cutting
Quiet, valiant battles
Heroism in hospital gowns
Why can't anyone else see the carnage?
Why am I the only one?

Learn more about this author, Valerie Zwald.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Poetry: Cancer

1 of 95
by Ginger Betzer

He was lying, motionless on the bed,

Tubes extending from his nose and head.

And even in sleep, he was troubled by the
read more
2 of 95
by Anita Smith

I can't seem to stop thinking

You hold all the power

You drag everyone you touch

Through their darkest hour

No one
read more
3 of 95
by Laura Leigh Fields

~Cancer's Final Word~
The dark is closing in,
Fires are burning in my head.
I am trying to hang on,
I am already dead.
The radiation
read more
4 of 95
by Ria Suarez

I've only met you this current year.
There's a reason behind life's events, having the chance to have crossed you, at the
read more
5 of 95
by Verity Markham

What is this dreadful monster?
That eats away inside?
The bare face of it;s cruelty,
Too proud to run and hide.
It's passion
read more

View All Articles on:
Poetry: Cancer

Add your voice

Know something about Poetry: Cancer?
We want to hear your view. Write_pen Write now!

Home:

Creative Writing

Poetry: Cancer

by Valerie Zwald

Poetry: Cancer

Related Titles: