Chemo Admission

You’re so strong, they say 

Not out of desire 

Strong because I’m on; no time to process 

Strong, as I hold you down for a dressing change

Strong, as I carry your weak body

22 hours in my arms 

Strong, as I smile through clenched jaw and tears 

playing tea party while your chemo drips

Poisoning parts of you

Saving the other  

I shake

Like a tree

Bending backwards 

In the storm

After each thrash of wind

Steals every last

sturdy speck of bark

before succumbing

beneath a shock of light 

Snapping.

In.

Half.