I wrote this after my wife lost her remaining kidney to cancer.


I stand on an abyss, a musket in my hands.
I see an enemy, one that is invisible.
Cancer, you came once before and took one of her kidneys.
How dare you come again.
Curse you that you are back for Round Two.
Curse you, be visible so I can fight.
I scream the Rebel Yell and steel myself for the assault.
But this is swift, silent, deadly.
God says,"This is not your fight."
The Doctor says,"God gave me the skills to help."
But Cancer is too entrenched.
The other kidney fell to the assault.
I jam my musket,bayonet first into the dirt.
My vows say protect her.
Did I fail?
God says,"My Ways are not your ways."
"My Strength is perfect in your weakness."
My strength drains.
I stretch out my hand.
God help me.
I want to fight to protect her.
But I'm powerless.
I pray.
His strength flows into me.
I now accept what has happened.
I now stand in the gap and she will be protected.
The Rebel Yell this time is in celebration.