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Writer's pictureDiane DiCola

On Turning 17

I awaken from the kind of sleep most women dream about..

Especially after kids and menopause.

It's a beautiful delirium...


I dip back into slumber then reemerge to the light

A few more times

When I'm prompted to peek through the blinds of my eyes.

Suddenly a high school friend appears and reintroduces herself

As my recovery room nurse.


"Of course, I remember you,"

I squeak out as the sedation wears thin.

"How long has it been?"

"Were we 17?"


We catch up on years gone by as I become consciously

Aware of groans and beeps nearby.

Fear and hope hang with help on IV poles.

Syncopated sounds of resuscitation then jubilation

Sober me awake.


And now,

Here I am,

Second chance still soldered to my humbled heart.


But I am done talking about cancer.

It's no longer the star of my show.


I see my illness as a wake-up call

Divinely designed to remind me

Of my one precious life.


And I choose to remember it this way.

On August 21st, I celebrate my rebirth-day.

Today, I am 17-years-new,

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