Marta Chocilowska
Nil by Mouth
The electronic display unit blips furiously. Air conditioning doesn’t seem to work; someone opens the window, someone closes it. Two skinny ladies exchange recipes of miracle diets. An old man nods off leaning on his crutches. A man a little thin on top stares numbly at the ceiling, a young woman with a scarf around her head looks at her smartphone. I instinctively touch my hair.
first chemo
cat's face slippers
comfort me
About the Author
Marta Chocilowska lives in Poland and is president of the Polish Haiku Association (PHA) and editor of the PHA’s Almanac Migratory Birds. Widely published, she is the author of Seasons in Polish Kigo.
That is very good, Marta, well done. It brings to the surface so well and in such an understated way, the feelings and thought surrounding such a time.
Here for you is one of mine from when my wife was not well:
siting in breastcare
centre, high road, letterkenny
awaiting dire gnosis
Beautifully written Marta. A heart rending place to be. I’ll never forget the young man who smiled at me despite his desperate face as he set next to his wife as she was getting a chemo infusion. I love that your cat face slippers are there with you. No doubt purring.
Taut haibun!
Alan Summers
You have shown so well how every sense is heightened and how we take in every detail at times such as this, Marta. I love that your slippers have cats’ faces on them!
Stay well.
marion x
I feel like I am in the waiting room.
I hope when you arrive back home you have a real cat to curl up in your lap and comfort you!