"Directions Helpdesk"
(Chemotherapy No. 5)
I wonder,
Looking up at
The drip drop drip
Of two bags full
Into my vein
(Gemcitabine and Carboplatin
Under their dark brown cover)
I wonder,
How do they know where to go?
Perhaps there is a "Directions Helpdesk"
In the Arrivals Hall in my arm.
If so, perhaps they can offer
A Sat Nav?
GPS?
A Garmin App?
Google Maps?
Or a postal code?
Have they packed a lunch?
An overnight bag?
A torch, in case the cancer
Tries to hide?
I am not a scientist in such matters,
And so
I wonder,
Trusting them,
Those drip drop drips,
Dripdropping their way
Into me,
And trusting too
That "Directions Helpdesk",
As I can't accompany them
On their journey.
And I do,
As I trust those who work
On this amazing corridor
Of the Oncology Day Ward
As we all do.
We trust them -
And the "Directions Helpdesk".
-CS Lathrop
13/08/2023