Still I Go

first plum blossoms—

I leave early

for the orthopedist

hints of spring . . .

at the open mike I read

a hip-hop haiku

viewing the blossoms

at the college quad—

I raise a crutch

foot surgery—

the terminal cancer patient wishes me

a speedy recovery

hospital waiting room—

too much laughter

from the other end

surgery day—

counting down

for the anesthetist

I don’t even get

to one

winter afternoon—

the list of pain meds

scarier than the surgery

spring rain—

the chafing

of my crutches

apple sauce

with pain meds . . .

high wind warning

on crutches—

still I go

to see the cherry blossoms