When you find out

the dreaded C word

has found a home in you

there is nothing funny about it

 

the natural inclination is to sadness

still I find humor in the condition

as I find humor in all things

especially myself

 

to counteract

I make myself laugh

then I make the doctors laugh

I make the nurses laugh

I leave them laughing in the aisles

and cubicles

 

but I guess the question is

could Cancer be wit's end

could this be the thing

that finally puts wit away

 

yet even as the battle rages

somehow wit remains strong

it carries me through

something to be said for that

 

to wit, I say

remain close, my dear friend

there is no reason to leave now

 

you have stood by me all these years

and you are welcome to stay

as long as you like

 

just between us

isn't it funny?

the last laugh on me

 

I thought

I'd live forever.