stage IV

i will walk with you

pulling your oxygen tank with one hand

holding your hand with the other

because i love you.

i will drain the fluid from your lungs

twice a week

sitting as we watch the cancerous liquid

drip out of your body

because i love you.

i will sit with you

as we watch the poison drip down

into your veins

each week

because i love you.

i will go through hell and back with you

because i love you.

i  will refuse to give up hope

upon hearing the words

stage IV metastatic breast cancer

because i love you, mom.