Warm and Fuzzy Heating Pad

March 1st

Grey sky
I woke up before the alarm clock went off
I felt I gained enough time to
Go back to sleep.
The pink electric heating pad warm and fuzzy.

Taking a shower is becoming a burdensome chore.
The difference in level of the floor is an obstacle.
And I can't lift my left arm.

Thus I am still holding the warm and fuzzy heating pad.
When sleeping I am at ease,
Feeling as if without disease.
Nothing hurts, no fever.

The moment I wake up, the sick person comes into being
25 seconds for one step
50 seconds for two steps.
That's how I am
With a limp body.

I can't be spineless.
I need to stand up.
A day is a day is a day with spine or without spine.

Slowly, haltingly, deliberately
I put on my makeup.
False eyelashes, that's my trademark.
With those I feel confident.
Funny?

KP came.
I'm going out in a wheelchair.
I haven't gone out for three days.

It's nice to go out.  The street is alive
Like a live news broadcasting.
After the rain, I breathed deeply, cool air is fresh.
The sensation deep back in the nose, and I feel grateful.
KP, thank you.
Trees, flowers, you are alive, thank you.

I saw The King's Speech.
The wheelchair seat was in the first row.
I enjoyed the movie
And cried a little.

After the movie, it was raining outside.
The weather forecast proved right.

Since it's raining
Sushi takeout
The extra best quality nigiri
Cheers for my life, for today.
I'm going to sleep holding the warm and fuzzy heating pad.

Poem by Maria Franki

Edited and translated by J. Ujiie

©2011