First, there’s a successful procedure,

a promising drug,

five determined surgeons—

nearly a full episode of hope—

instead of one apologetic oncologist,

one nurse with hospice pamphlets.


Then, when it’s turned sad and lovely,

there’s a bright clean room

with a soft white bed

and just before the credits

the woman laughs with her daughter

about the importance of orgasms.

As if the mother remembers

a body capable of joy,

as if the daughter could fathom

a body not her mother’s.

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