Published January 15th, 2025
Vancouver Poetry Contest #3 – First Place
by Anna Mazurenko
I crumple down the steps – my leg snaps with a series of vicious cracks.
Firecrackers burst in my bloody joints, bone tears from ligament.
I sit alone at the bottom of the rickety staircase,
I reach for a warm hand–
There's no one there.
I cry, I whimper, I beg:
How long until I walk? Will I run again?
Please, don't make me go through this alone.
I'm not dying – I feel like I am.
I grieve before I even know the loss.
A few days later, I learn to hop, I make my way to the store.
I wobble down cobblestone steps, crutches tucked into my armpits.
A stranger makes way. I smile at him, say thank you, he smiles back.
Alone, I buy two boxes of ice cream.
I enjoy them thoroughly.
I don't think I would have, were my leg not broken.
About the Poet
Anna Mazurenko resides in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Read the poet's biography on Anna Mazurenko's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Wax Poetry and Art Magazine #6,
published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Vancouver Poetry Magazine:
nights faded
by Jared Ongking
Vancouver Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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