Shadowy cream linoleum
Electronic water drops
Breathing machines
Whispered terminology
Chemo drugs cause psychosis
Break with reality of c-word
Smoking shame, questioning chemicals,
fearing oblivion —
Private single room
Floods with ethereal light
Total white out
Fill with peace and awe
The disembodied voice urges:
“GET BACK TO YOUR REAL WORK!”
Once senses recover
Wonder for weeks
What it means…
Finish the dissertation?
…
Or embrace God?