Close the Door When You Leave

I never asked you to visit-
at least I don't believe I did.
Maybe, I don't know-
it's so confusing.

At any rate, you're a rude guest.
You take my energy, rob my sleep,
and with a stick, swirl and distort my dreams.

All right, you're here- for now.
But understand, there are two places that are forever off limits-
You may not tread on my spirit.
You may not occupy my soul.

I have heard of your visits to others-
I know the damage you leave in your path;
the wanton disregard for innocence, value, and fairness.

I also hear that laughter confuses you;
that good food makes you feel bad,
and that nothing causes you more distress than an autumn sunset, a summer sky, or the unconditional radiance of a childs' smile.

Listen and understand-
you might pilfer my closets,
empty all the drawers, and trash my house...
but there are two places forever off limits.

You may not tread on my spirit.
You may not occupy my soul.

Do not mistake my nausea, weakness, and pain as signs of your victory.
They are simiply small dents in the armor I wear to fight you.
Instead, look deeply into my eyes-
they will once again remind you that there are two places forever off limits.

You may not tread on my spirit.
You may not occupy my soul.

Poem about cancer taken from Stop Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Message Board from Neptune