Chemo

[just mercedes]

I really like the way your poem understates its story. The humour of the first few lines really sets up the 'chemo cushion' and the contrast is huge, and very effective.


Edit One

My youth was spent
playing games of chess
with myself debating
mass murder over
masturbation
groping in the dark
for Daddy’s love singing
I’m sorry I’m sorry (I want to see this in italics)
while letting him wither (I'm not convinced 'letting' is the best word here)
on the chemo cushion
awaiting the cruel
morning dew. (lots and lots of 'ing' going on)

Acid breakfasts of
antidepressants
left my stomach aching
for saltine crackers
and a farewell swig
of Fireball found
just in time for
clumsy finger-banging
in my sister’s room
where Dad slept
when his liver hurt. (such a simple ending, very effective! brought it all the way around to the
beginning)

Good poem, I enjoyed the read, thanks for posting!