CONVERSAION

CONVERSATION

With an old friend

after the parade

and getting too much

information

about the tragedies

in mutual friend's lives

friends you haven't seen

in five years

and the big C striking

the babe in arms

I saw those five

years ago

remembering

my own brush with

the big C

and the waiting room

with children

bald and ghostly white

suffering from chemo

and the reflected fear in their parents eyes

as they awaited the doctors

verdict

a torture I would not inflect

on my worst enemy

and knowing

if it wasn't for dumb luck

I wouldn't have any luck

at all

JWL © 12./11/2015