1st Day of Chemo

De ja vu--I'm in a blue recliner
with a chemo drip
but this time it is me
not my husband battling cancer 14 yrs ago.
There is still the same whir of the machines,
squeaky poles sliding across linoleum,
and practiced smiles of the nurses.
Now it is me
memorizing new meds,
blood counts and drug titles.
I bring good luck charms,
a daughter who stays by my side
and a recording:
"Grammy, I love you so much.
Afterwhile crocodile--
see you later....alligator."
It is now me and I need all the luck
I can get to fight against this word,
this disease that steals my thoughts.