The
island of neutropenia
I was confined to my room while neutropenic, waiting for infection to
strike. In the door that separated me from the outside world was a window,
an empty frame, that if filled could say something of me, something
to me, something that would help transform my sterile and institutionalised
environment. Suddenly I was struck down with overwhelming septicaemia,
shocked, comatose, so close to the death I had for so long feared. My
friends thought I might die. I thought I had died. I'm not ready yet.
I leaned against the tall red tree, pulsating with the life force and
the healing properties I seeked, as optimism and growth sprouted in
the shape of green leaves. I feel better, but sit and wait for the stems
cells to rescue me from the island of neutropenia to which I have been
banished.