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Old Lady in a Hospital Ward

Suddenly the smile left her smooth face
and fear turned the hospital pink skin grey.
She knew what was to come soon 
and perhaps it would be today.

She had a strong faith in the next life
and hoped she had earned her right
to sit at her god's table and
have her meagre sins take flight.

She had lived a life full of service
and done it all on her own.
Always there for needy relatives
and rarely heard to moan.

She never married, but came close
but a torpedo sank the Africa plan
she carried on with shattered dreams
and never picked another man.

As a child he had never dared kiss
this lady, now with grey tinged brow
but in these last quiet moments
he bent and kissed her now.

Soon, too soon, her old body failed
and her spirit flew away
but the smile was once more on her face
as she went on her way.


1993

Looking Back

So - nearing eighty is it now the time
To embrace the flashbacks that plague?
With brain cells depleting the race is on
to view memories of past passions and rage.

Your triumphant deals, and bested foes,
moonlight walks, or bright suns above.
Of parents now gone, or your babies cries,
or friends not told that they had your love.

You reflect about long silent relatives
those that rallied to any crisis,
you saw your children's endeavours leading
them to punt on the Cam or the Isis.

Perhaps you've not done too badly
You have survived when others failed
You kept turning up as and when needed
And may finally have your depression nailed.

Is this the sole value of old ageing?
Just to feel your inner self slowing
Concentrating only on where you have been
instead of where you could be going.

Spliced

Ups and downs
Peaks and troughs
Tesco bills
Kids with coughs.

Married life

On we go
Through all ills
Astounded by our 
Household bills.

Married life

Shattered nights
More sleep we beg
Splattered shirt with 
Scrambled egg.

Married life

Cars that break
Lawns that grow
Meals with relatives
Who just won't go.

Married life that
We all bear
Single folk just
Stand and stare!

Would we change it
Oh contraire
We'd miss the chaos
If it wasn't there!