Our First Encounter

When we first met, we shared a moment of silence.

Knew little of you,

never saw your face.

Name. Ca pancreas.

It’s funny how a person’s entire life

can be summed up

in just

a few

words.

Who were you though?

Gloved hands unzipped,

aldehyde sharp as a scalpel to my nose.

What was your life like before you came to teach us?

Forceps pinching and peeling.

Fascia, layer by layer,

you reveal your story,

the story of life,

the story of how we all came to be.

Show,

never tell.

Were you at least happy?

Lived the life you wanted?

Bile up your stomach.

No, it’s not supposed to be there.

Mid-clavicular. Left 5th intercostal.

To think that it used to beat,

to think that you used to be alive.

Where are you now?

Ribs, sawing,

back and forth,

until

the breaking

point.

I’m sorry, sorry, sorry.

When we parted, I had so many questions,

so many words for you.

I still do.

Thank you.

And yet,

silent you are

and forever will be.