Despite Everything (Poetry)

I knew what I was facing
and it wouldn’t be much fun
the condition was incurable
there was nothing to be done

The doctor didn’t cushion it
I just absorbed the blow
it seemed easier to suffer when
the damage didn’t show

I’ve weathered it — I’ve had no choice —
put up with pain for years
no prizes in the acting stakes
for hiding growing fears

No dodging it — it will get worse
with age as gradually
it drags me down and in the end
it’s bound to cripple me

I don’t expect as miracle
I cannot conquer Fate
but there are times my brain admits
it’s trying to escape —

drugged painless in a floating haze
my senses almost sure
my body’s triumphed after all
and Hope has won the war