IN CELEBRATION OF RADIATION / CHEMO SURVIVAL: 4 HAIKU

Wake up, my body
Moves freely and lightly
Into hot and cold.


My feet are bay ducks
Ready to plunge, avidly
Fishing for the light.


First strokes in water
Cool sparkles off my fingers
Morning prayer: Swim!


My arms are firm oars
Rowing the boat out somewhere
I am still a-live.



-- Mary C. Dunlap 01/12/02