In the lobby

you see them

with canes and walkers

some in wheelchairs

being pushed by a caregiver

a husband a wife

a son or daughter

helping them to a chair

lovingly supporting them

with sympathy and companionship

someone to talk to

to ease their suffering

slowly they take their seats

and wait for their appointments

all are the victims of Cancer

a steady stream on any given day

one after another trudging along

with weighted steps

with difficulty

such weariness in their eyes

all victims of this scourge

leaning on a cane

leaning on a family member

all putting their faith in a machine

they pray will make them whole again

they take a chair

they wait patiently to be called

so many with this dreaded disease

in a growing line of suffering

yet while there is pain in their faces

one thing sustains them

always there is the virtue of Hope

that glowing ember

man's eternal blessing

burning in their hearts.