This changes nothing and everything

The bells ring the quarter hour
Without fail
They pealed on Christmas eve
As always
The air is chilly
But not cold
The sky is perfectly clear
Serene they call it here
The pace hastens
Lights twinkle
Shops are full
People are happy
Everyone says auguri, auguri, auguri
They smile
The family comes
And goes
Life goes on as normal
As he lay dying

Steal Away

Like a thief in the night
Sometimes I wish
He would just drift away
In his sleep
In peace
To know no pain
Or suffering
Neither his
Nor ours

The Act

A twelve inch
Sutured surgical wound
Someone so angry
With you
They brutally block
Your dreams
And yank a secure rug
From beneath you
Yet still want you
With a canister
Of chemo
Hanging from their chest
Despite entreaties
Use no protection
So you get
Your own little dose
And its implications
Finally
So despondent
Just the thought
Of affection
Provokes waves
Of tears and trembling
Only to be suppressed
It's all just an act

Writhing with a straight face

Terror with a tranquil expression

Indistinguishable anguish

Trembling

With a firm hand

Smiling serenely

Eyes abrim

Swallowing the lump

Breathing deep

and exhaling slowly

Foreboding forbid