Lines 1-3

"At the Cancer Clinic" opens with an enigmatic figure, referred to only as "she." Although the poem's setting is not explicitly detailed, the title reveals its backdrop. This young woman traverses the clinic's waiting room, flanked on either side by two other women who support her every step of the way. Her youthful appearance suggests she could be mistaken for a sibling of the two women aiding her journey toward the examination rooms.

Through these fleeting glimpses, readers can deduce several insights. The woman, frail and in need of assistance, requires not just one but two companions to steady her. Her perseverance in walking, rather than succumbing to a wheelchair or bed, suggests a quiet dignity and formidable inner strength. The presence of her sisters at her side, sharing in this somber pilgrimage, underscores the bonds of familial love and the sense of devotion she inspires in those around her. By the third line, an observer emerges, the "I" who narrates this poignant scene.

Lines 4-5

In just two lines, Kooser unveils the essence of these three sisters as perceived by the narrator. The main figure, though afflicted, retains enough physicality that her weight bends the arms of her supporters. Descriptions like "straight" and "tough" encapsulate their shared demeanor, reflecting a unity that transcends the burden of illness. Although only one of them bears the illness, their collective spirit faces this challenge head-on, embodying a shared struggle and resilience.

Lines 6-8

With the sixth line, the narrator interprets the sisters' steadfast posture as a manifestation of courage. Absent Kooser's explicit choice of "courage," their demeanor could be perceived as a mélange of resolve, anger, resignation, numbness, or fear. This succinct declaration infuses every subsequent action with a vivid sense of bravery.

As lines seven and eight unfold, a new character enters the scene—a nurse, ready with a welcoming gesture as the sisters approach the examination area. Kooser emphasizes the arduousness of their journey, noting that the distance, however short, must feel like a marathon. The nurse's voice, bridging the space between them, embodies encouragement and support.

Her demeanor, all smiles and reassurances, highlights the collective compassion encircling the patient. Unlike other poems that might delve into the isolating nature of hardship, "At the Cancer Clinic" celebrates the solidarity and warmth that bind individuals together in trying times.

Lines 9-10

Portrayed through her actions, the nurse is a beacon of kindness, though her "crisp white sails" uniform suggests a contrasting image of rigidity and sterility. Yet, she exudes patience, a trait Kooser subtly acknowledges with a touch of admiration.

When the narrative refers to "the sick woman," it does so with unvarnished simplicity. Kooser refrains from embellishing her condition with complex metaphors or attempting to evoke excessive pity through more graphic terms.

Lines 11-13

The narrator maintains the poem's straightforward tone, unflinchingly acknowledging the woman's plight. Her hat, likely donned to cover hair lost to chemotherapy, serves a dual purpose: protecting her weakened immune system or perhaps showcasing a sense of humor amid adversity.

Described from an almost detached perspective, the sick woman's movement reveals her estrangement from her own body. Her steps, awkward and erratic, highlight her profound fragility. As each foot swings forward, seemingly by chance, the poem eloquently captures the awkward dance of a body at odds with itself, a poignant illustration of her struggle.

Lines 14-15

The narrator poignantly labels the brave demeanor of both the ailing woman and her caregivers as "courage." This label underscores the gravity of their situation by highlighting certain emotions that, while anticipated, are notably missing: restlessness, impatience, and anger....