Laurelwood June 11, 2018

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skin in the game

Four pieces of tissue were taken from my skin

None of them where I can see them directly

From the top of my head to the base of my neck

To the pair behind me on my left shoulder blade.

Four holes slow to heal from these strange wounds

Needing another person to care for me every day

Being unable to perform the simple bandage change

Feeling vulnerable, not used to depending on others.

Two weeks suspended in wait for the biopsy results

No doctor before ever saw anything suspicious

Is this one just padding their fee for service billing

Or will larger deeper wounds be in store for me?

My love has recurring skin cancer that impacts her some

Slathering sunscreen on her face and hands before stepping outside

Covering up arms in sleeves and legs in pants even in the heat

Looking around at things from under a huge brimmed hat.

I hope that’s not me, too, though worse things could happen

As long as it’s not life threatening I will be happy

As long as I can get out and move in the world I will enjoy

The way we make adjustments and keep on going.

Haverstraw Hook June 10, 2018

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Skylands June 8, 2018

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