please listen – a poem

what can i say that hasnt already been said?
what can i say that will finally make them listen?

what will capture the fear?
the vulture waiting over your shoulder.
the fight against inevitable statistics.
the unrelenting empty platitudes of help.

talking at me,
never listening.

what if…
what if my brain is broken,
my body is broken,
i am broken?

what if this is a full stop,
there is no cure,
there is no help,
there is no light at the end of the tunnel?

what if i am beyond get well soon,
pastel cards,
flowers in shiny cellophane?

what if i’m not more than my health?
am i still worth anything –
to anyone?

will anyone still be listening?
will anyone try to answer?