The Crab Is Not Your Friend (poem) by Chip Bergeron on AuthorsDen

The Crab Is Not Your Friend
by Chip Bergeron → (All Poetry by Chip Bergeron)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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I started this poem in my wife’s room in the Intensive Care Unit of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. A day later she was no longer with me. If you know astrological signs, you’ll know what “the crab” signifies.
THE CRAB IS NOT YOUR FRIEND The crab is not your friend As you lie fighting for breath Desperate for every puff The machine pushes Takes control in out-in-out, It’s not you breathing anymore, But the machine: The crab is not your friend. The crab is not your friend Wires monitor every function- They connect to black screens. Numbers, jagged lines Look like death’s lightning A one way trip no turning back Insatiable, pitiless, The crab is not your friend. The crab is not your friend Tubes putting in, taking out Measuring drop by drop Life slowly ebbing What difference does how much Make when the end is inevitable Why care now? The crab is not your friend. The crab is not your friend It takes you away from me Every minute an eternity. Soon I’ll be left alone For as long as long’s going to be After so many years So much, so much, so much… The crab is not your friend. Chip Bergeron 13 December, 2011

Reviewed by Padre Scott West

Reviewed on December 19, 2011

Chip, I came back to Denver on the First of November to help my ex Sam into that eternal slumber that your wife shares with him. It feels like we had the experience. I know though, that this poem describes your experience, not mine. I feel for you, although I cannot share your pain, I know that we are walking on the same road.
God bless you Chip. My prayers are mostly for you, because I know the pain that you are walking through. I cherish the idea that I am walking this path with such an honorable man as you.

Reviewed by Patrick Granfors

I have witnessed this beast in action, buying a few hours or days....of misery. The crab is not your friend as you relive the nightmare, realizing the outcome would not change. Yet it is the best hope that can be offered and sometimes things end differently. Know you did all you could, and accept that the last hours were not as you would have hoped, for they were never in your control. The price of love is often grief and for now it must be paid. My heartfelt sympathy, Chip. Patrick

Reviewed by jude forese

my words are but dust but my spirit is with you ...

a crab does indeed have a hard shell ...

Reviewed by Christine Tsen

Oh no, Chip! Oh no. I'm so desperately sorry.
I'm so sad for you, and I know how much you both have loved one another. I could always tell. Bless her, bless you both.

Reviewed by Connie Faust

I'm very sorry to hear of your wife's death. I have enjoyed her poems. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, Chip. Sincerely, Connie

Reviewed by Richard King

Reviewed on December 18, 2011

Chip we’re so sad to hear about Susan’s passing. I’m not knowledgeable regarding astrological signs, but you’ll both be in our thoughts. Stay strong my friend. Dick

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

Chip, I was on that kind of machine back in 2009 when I was in a diabetic coma & had told my other half if that happens to pull the plug, but she didn't do so and here I am to prove it...my most sincerest condolances on the your loss & I will keep u in my prayers...Ed