Before

I will miss you when you leave
But leave you must I know
Your illness is so relentless
But your terror doesn't show.

Your mind still good and sharp
now centres around your kin
and what happens to them
if you let the reaper in?

You lived well and kindly 
Quick to laugh and so very wise
With a great intellect hidden
From just peripheral eyes.

After

I knew you for a long time
Since before I was a man
I am so glad we shared lives
and am sad we no longer can.

RIP Jill - 1940-2020