Dying in Degrees
(Inspired by a patient with a newly diagnosed Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma)


He's dying in degrees 
Outside he feels fine
But his body's crossing the line,
Between health and death that no one sees

Jocularity and humor
He laughs about turning deaf
To the doctor on his left
Not knowing it's due to a tumor

He's dying in degrees
Body heading for the deep freeze
Still he laughs, thinking it's just a cold
He might fold in the time it takes to sneeze

The doctors talk to themselves
If he had come earlier
Survival could be better
but now that doesn't matter

He's dying in degrees
Dripping blood from his nostril
Bloods red as a rose
Oozing from a biopsy site deep in the nose

They're  guarded in their diagnosis
They're worried about his prognosis
But all they say now is "Not to worry, 
In a week we'll give you the full story"

He's dying in degrees
As the hungry crab in his skull
Sends his children out via land and sea
As a whole many organs they sieze...

Results are back, the MRI done
Confirmation of a death sentance
He's nowhere to hide or run
From this, his unholy son.


                                by Yudisthra
                                10th May 1998