Murray Dunlap’s most recent poem to appear here was “The Truth About Love” (February 2019). 

Cheater
By Murray Dunlap

Having cheated death
I am fearless
I was given a paper-thin chance to survive
I survived
Now I work for perfection
In my art
In my words
In my soul
I fear imperfection
I do not fear death
If given the chance, I’ll cheat again
And smile