The Putting Away

It starts with boxes full
of empty boxes.

Arts-and-crafts ornaments
wrapped in yellowed tissue,

glass balls, delicate cells
of purple and silver
stacked in plastic containers,

strands of colored lights
twisted in double helix knots,

packed in cardboard boxes
or festive popcorn tins.
Dry pine needles vacuumed up,

she wants to pack away the threat
of cancer. Wrap it carefully
in lab slips and consent forms,
store it in a box full of empty
boxes, duct tape it shut.

Hide it in the attic
covered in cobwebs
of normal test results.