Protocol

I don’t want 

to watch you fade,

I don’t want 

to feel betrayed 

by this fucking life,

I don’t want to watch

my wife 

get eaten away

by cancer,

I bleed regularly, 

everyday

but I can’t show it,

I break under 

the weight

of loving you,

I don’t want

another 

monthly review

where we learn 

of the latest 

progression,

I don’t want 

to mention

what you 

mean to me,

I fear we’ll both 

bleed out

I’d die for you, 

I’d die with you

to keep you safe,

but we’ve 

been betrayed 

by protocol