Antecedent

I recall a doctor asking me the names of my chemo drugs

And, puzzled, staring blankly back at her.

Chemo drugs?

Oh yeah, that was me.

Was that me?

That I who skip along gaily through life,

Pink-cheeked and toned,

once skirted

the fringes

of existence.

“No, sorry I don’t recall. Is it important?”

Shaking her head, “Not really, it’s the past.

You can’t go back.

Yet today owes everything to yesterday.

The product of choice and action.

Memories have power.

Does the future, which calls?

I’ll maybe go there someday,

When tomorrow comes.

Time now for present presence

Boldly

Choosing

To be.