this is not how stories were meant to end

don't tell me
you're scaring me
you were supposed 
to live a long, long time
the diagnosis
isn't completely done yet
you're still young
and in your prime

I tell myself
don't panic
I need a moment
to comprehend
it was going to be
just a checkup 
what am I
going to tell the children

          it ain't right
          it ain't fair
          you weren't supposed
          to go anywhere

don't leave me
don't desert me
this was not how stories
are meant to end
don't tell me
a day will come
when I will never 
see you again

          I don't mean to be selfish
          I hope you can see
          I am telling myself
          this is not about me
          this is not about me

don't tell me
you're scaring me
you were supposed 
to live a long, long time