Cancer

Cancer:

that verminous
dreg of death!

A mauler
who sucker punches, spars
and destroys
with body blows
its challenger's ghostly form.

Even money--
unable to go the distance
with all its supremacy--
gets outwitted
and KO'd.

With undefeated form,
Cancer prevails far too often.

Life's referie of remaining days
stands over another challenger
and vigorously counts to ten,
waving to finish the match
with a unanimous decision
marked by tears and death certificates.

But someday,
a vicious contender
with a devestating uppercut
will come along with a knockout
that will leave the crowd in a frenzy.

Author's Note

Originally written for singer Eddie Money.

Reviews

[tranquilspace]

Thank you for bringing up this topic for writing in your words, It touches my heart when i read things on this topic, also you have a nice choice of words.

[Relic]

Thanks very much for your thoughts, Tranquilspace.

[John the Baptist]

I don't think I've ever seen the Big C likened to a boxer before. I can go with it, though, if we regard it as one of those relentless types who won't let up and keeps punching away until even the stoutest defense is overwhelmed. I have a friend who has just come off a round chemotherapy and is still fighting for his life. I had hoped to see this scourge eradicated in my lifetime, but I have a feeling the b*****d is going to outlast me.

[Relic]

You would think after all this time they would have foun a cure. Too many have died and many more are to come. We need a miracle. Thanks, John.

[barleygirl]

I was only a lukewarm fan of Money, but I was in love with Greg Allman, dead of liver cancer a couple years ago after a long tough battle including liver replacement. I was watching a Sheryl Crow concert where she commemorated the dead & it was quite a list -- Prince, Petty, & recently Ginger Baker . . . on & on. Now about cancer, which has knocked off a few in my family this year, including a brother-in-law . . . I am of the opinion that sometimes people die as much from years of non-stop chemo (when this is the case) than the cancer itself, as was the case with my bro-in-law. Your poem expresses the vehemence that many feel toward cancer or other chronic health plagues. As you point out, it does seem like cancer wins too often *sigh!* Fondly, Margie

[Relic]

Thanks for the review, Margie. I think I may have told you in the past I've seen Greg quite a few times. A year before he died I saw him with the brothers. Great musician for sure.

I'm sorry for your loss. I too lost a cousin to Leukemia.

[barleygirl]

Sorry for your loss & thanks for reaching out with your caring concern!

[The Analog Kid]

Nice tribute. That is my favorite song of his. Some damn day. And it's gonna take A LOT of "Money."

[Relic]

Thanks, Pat.

[Robert Trakofler]

I hope he saved one of those tickets to paradise for himself:) some of his music is so ingrained into my memory its like i'm hearing ghosts now felt that way about Bowie too!!!! Cancer is a wretched crooked fighter sticks lead weights in his gloves and smears smelling salts on his gloves someday brother someday he is gonna get defeated!

[Relic]

Thank you for your thoughts, Robert.

[NotUsinganymore]

Very nice poem. It is true you can't take money with you when you die. I heard from a friend you should spend money because you can't take it with you. So buy that last minute item you really want.

[Relic]

Well said, thank you.

[NotUsinganymore]

You're welcome

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, another good one...and as your perfect allegory describes.."some day some way"
we will see him in paradise, with or without our tickets.
it's hard to go the distance with Cancer...and win by decision.
j.

[Relic]

Thanks for your thoughts, J. It means a lot.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly... yes... some day... when the sky is the limit and
Angels pray with symphonies of resurrection and life can be
enjoyed until the last moment that becomes destiny. truly, Pat

[Relic]

Thank you, Pat.

[wordman]

seems every body is leaving,liked the way you presented it

[Relic]

Thanks, Wordman.

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[Kelly Scheppers]

My God, he was just diagnosed last month, and the season opener for his reality show just aired last night - I still have it on my DVR. What a distinctive voice he had, and let it be known that Mick wasn't the only guy with swagger! Great dedication, Tim.

[Relic]

Thanks Kelly. John?

[Kelly Scheppers]

...sorry, Tim. It's been one of those days!

[Relic]

..................lol