Stigmatized and Written Off

Three close friends of mine opt out. 
The last thing said, It’s treatable right?
Yesterday I read an athlete obit,
Younger man dies in a kayak accident.
So alive was he, everyone in shock,
His abrupt memorial packed no doubt.
But what of those who linger on? 

Letting go is a large lesson
In life and death facing.
There’s almost an inward scoff,
No more energy for outward response
To those unconsciously saying,
Sorry that you’ve got cancer cells
Running all over your body,
Or, So, you’re going to do the
Killing yourself thing to live.
Yes, these things are said.
Surprised? By ignorance,
False confidence, in a culture
That worships youth and wealth?
Well, I don’t plan to die just yet –
Is that okay with you?
And not every subsequent health issue
Is another cancer—Sorry,
Does this disappoint your need
To assume that for me it’s all over? 

I’m folding myself into poetry batter,
Yes, writing myself in
For whatever time I have to spend,
And with those friends who
Will have me outlive them.
Dumped due to an impending death –
You’re damn right I care about that.
Aren’t we all headed that way?
Most don’t deny and set me aside.
I thank God for this every day.

©️ 2024 Laura E. Garrard

Laura E. Garrard is a multiple myeloma thriver and published author living in the Northwest. Her poetry and prose have appeared in journals like The Madrona Project, Amethyst, Silver Birch, TulipTree Review, and others.