Toronto Poetry Magazine –

"The Gift" by Anna Nike Leskowsky

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Title image shows a nightime view of a series of triangles with colourful rope arranged in patterns.

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Published January 15th, 2025

The Gift

by Anna Nike Leskowsky

To My Medical Team at the Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto

It came as a promise
of a deep breath and a long walk in the park.
I waited through changing seasons
with my heart longing to go back in time.
The lineup seemed endless.
I embarked on a journey of patience,
touched by the hearts
deserving much more than I.

I was grateful for a cold room.
My skin was clean.
My veins were ready.
I closed my eyes, anticipating time to stop
and interrupt my travel into the future.
It did for a short, unstable moment
of peace and beauty.

Coming back was bitter-sweet.
My shallow breath deepened.
My steps got stronger.
The welcoming light negotiated a delay,
offering a perfectly synchronized
heartbeat.


About the Poet
Anna Nike Leskowsky resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Read the poet's biography on Anna Nike Leskowsky's Artist Page.

This poem is included in Poetry World #11, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Previously published in Toronto Poetry Magazine:
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by Emily Pike

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- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
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