the news arrived
a sudden jolt
a toxic cloud
of dread and fear
a fog of pain
his life on hold
a fervent wish
was made in vain
but then the push
to gather facts
to have a plan
to foster hope
and once begun
a sense of calm
the path now set
the journey clear
and past regrets
began to fade
as future goals
held less appeal
for now these days
held more import
his present was
his time to live
