Together we attempt preparation. We study
and research, equipping ourselves for unknown
results. Cancer speaks in negative numbers–
of percentages, scores, grades, and stages,
as if some mathemetician is in control
of outcome. I long to pass this test, stand
in your place, take away all frightening digits
and replace them with positives, but no one
seems able to give me the answers. So we sit
and wait for the exam, not knowing
if this is the final.