The Cancer Center
is mostly silent,
inflictions too severe
for light conversation.
Everyone looks solemn,
staff and patients
burdened too heavily
to behave casually.
The facility is clean,
comfortable,
designed to put patients at ease.
We don’t look at each other,
concerned with our own fears,
no way of knowing
who is worse off.
All are here for the same reason,
to fight off death
as long as possible.