Alien

Alien

I've seen the movie, so I know
what's happening inside my body.
An alien spawn took root,
entwined around my organs
in such a way
separation is impossible.

I've seen the movie, so I know
what happens next
as the creature steals the nutrients
intended to fuel
my growth and repair
to feed itself.

I've seen the movie, so I know
how the growing fiend
will feast on my flesh,
devouring me from inside out,
only leaving behind
a dry husk.

I've seen the movie, so I know
the process is painful
and escape impossible.
When recovery seems apparent
the demon will reappear
and seal my fate.

In the film
the monster comes from deep space;
in real life
it originates within.
Treacherous cells mutiny,
rebelling against the old order,
seeking freedom of expression,
not capable of comprehending
their new-found liberty
will also yield
death.



35 lines
Free verse

Note
I do not have cancer. Several of my close family members have suffered through this terrible disease.

Cover image: Häggström, Mikael (2014). "Medical gallery of Mikael Häggström 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.008. ISSN 2002-4436. Public Domain.