by Alison

my rosy fair skin

susceptible to the sun -

Basal Cell Cancer

.

It’s been a tough week. Basal Cell Carcinoma is a very treatable form of Cancer. I know this. It’s not the same as Melanoma. Still, when the doctor called to say “Cancer” today I found myself a little shaken up. I could kick myself for spending the past 8 months trying out “herbal remedies” on what I thought was a persistant little rash. I could kick myself for always saying “I don’t have time” to see a doctor. I’m guessing there will be a scar of some sort and a subsequent change of hairstyle. Not bad, all things considered. But this echoes the theme of my last haiku. My mantra for the next year will be “Alison, take care of yourself.” It seems it is true. It is impossible to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.

by Alison

deep stretch

runs up and down my thigh -

purple cork gym floors

by Alison

looking up

icicle droplets fall

onto my brow

by Alison

his bad joke annoys -

suddenly the spider bite

on my neck itches

by Alison

green tea and kale chips

yoga and inspiring books -

I’m feeling healthy

by Alison

.

.

.

The Incident:

While I spread jelly

she choo-choos her chair

onto my sockless big toe!

.

Denial:

I howl she giggles

I cry harder she laughs more - 

my big toe turns blue

.

Awareness:

when she realizes

she hurt me she cries, “I want

to hurt my toe too!”

.

Forgiveness:

Instead we share hugs -

“It was just an acc - i -lent”

she tells me head down.

.

by Alison

Darting out of the

dressing room I chase kiddo

in my underwear!!!

by Alison

Should I or shouldn’t

I let my gray hair grow in?

Spring passes quickly.

by Alison

needles on my back

my acupuncturist feels

healing vibrations

by Alison

preparing my toes

for yoga class once again -

bright shiny purple