outside my window, our neighbor putters in her garden.
her roses languish while weeds have their way.
chemo, a fourth round, has taken its toll.
a few wispy hairs blow in the soft breeze.
i close my door gently behind me and we exchange a quick hug.
fear of crushing fragile bones holds me back a little
though her spirit soars, strong, unwavering
like the circling hawk above us, sun on golden wings.
at a distance a blackbird caws,
while hummingbird savors nectar,
drinks in the sweetness of the moment,
unafraid of that which is to come.
– Victoria Slotto
© 2014, poem and all photographs, Victoria Slotto, All rights reserved
VICTORIA C. SLOTTO (Victoria C. Slotto, Author: Fiction, Poetry and Writing Prompts) ~ is an accomplished writer and poet. Winter is Past, published by Lucky Bat Books in 2012, is Victoria’s first novel. A second novel is in process. On Amazon and hot-off-the-press nonfiction is Beating the Odds: Support for Persons with Early Stage Dementia. Victoria’s ebooks (poetry and nonfiction) are free to Amazon Prime Members. Link HERE for Victoria’s Amazon page.
Editorial note: Congratulations, Victoria, on that the long awaited publication of print copies of Jacaranda Rain, Collected Poems, 2012, Beautifully done.
Writers’ Fourth Wednesday is hosted by Victoria from January through October and always posts at 7 p.m. PST.
The BeZine 
What a touching post, Victoria.
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May you soon be well and feeling wonderful Victoria.
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Liz, I am well thank God unless you count slow aging. It is my neighbor who is now on yet another round of chemo.
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And thank you, Niamh
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I cannot imagine how hard it must be to be your neighbor. I also know that seeing someone you care about go through it is rough, too. I could feel how much you care in this piece, Victoria. The birds were a nice counterpoint.
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I just realized my first sentence could be misconstrued. “I cannot imagine how hard it must be to be your neighbor” <— I just meant I can't imagine how hard it must be to have cancer and have to go through chemo. I think she is LUCKY to have you as a neighbor!
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