Guinea Pig

Death is a hard thing to cope with. Realizing that someone you love has only a limited time left to live is equally as hard.
People try to deal with it in many different ways, and Julie Staub chose to express her feelings through poetry.
I heard Garrison Keillor read this on the radio today. I've pasted the words below, but I suggest you listen to him read it. Come on-- do it. It won't take long.

Just click play below and scroll to the 3minute 57second mark.

On second thought, that might be a lot of work so I guess I'll let you get away with reading it on your own if you want...

Guinea Pig
by Julie Cadwallader-Staub

As if your cancer weren't enough,
the guinea pig is dying.
The kids brought him to me
wrapped in a bath towel
‘Do something, Mom.
Save his life. '

I'm a good mom.
I took time from work,
drove him to the vet,
paid $77.00 for his antibiotics.

Now, after the kids rush off to school,
you and I sit on the bed.
I hold the guinea pig, since he bites.
You fill the syringe.
We administer the foul smelling medicine,
hoping the little fellow will live.

admitting to each other:
if he doesn't,
it'll be good practice.


"Guinea Pig" by Julie Cadwallader-Staub. Reprinted with permission of the poet.