Shattered Thoughts Poem by Deanna Samuels

Shattered Thoughts
13th November 2024

Following some busy months before
and just as one felt life had settled down,
a lone short phone call shattered such calm
bringing news that one does not want to hear.

Oldest sibling says hello, relates what has to say
but line was bad and voice was blurred
and no way what he spoke was heard.
Asked to repeat what had just been said
as did not hear clearly what he related.
Again, the message was repeated -
our youngest bro had just phoned him,
advising that his cancer had returned!

Stunned, those first few seconds stood still,
mind was numbed, the shock too great,
how can this be, he, by far the youngest of us four!
Composed oneself as best one could
while elder brother carried on.

‘Nothing much more is known at present
and what next steps to be taken,
waiting for the doctors to advise
of what and when treatment to be devised.
Will get to know in next few days
and in the meantime, will all keep in touch
across the many miles that now divides us all'.


Written at Richmond Hill, Ontario - 13th November 2024