Nearly ten years ago, my 58 year old brother rang me to ask me to go round to Mum's to tell her that he had just been diagnosed with lung cancer.

He had been ill for about four months and had first gone to the doctors with breathlessness and was given an inhaler for asthma. After a couple of months, he had dreadful pain in his back and was told that he had a trapped nerve which, of course, never improved despite all the rest.

This is the poem which just seem to write itself the day after he died.

NINE DAYS



Seldom do we have a chat,
So, it's nice to hear your voice.
You say, "Can't come round to see you",
The phone's your only choice.

You tell me you are "poorly",
But now a word is said -
Once spoken in hushed whispers -
Engulfs me in its dread.

"Don't you dare to leave us!"
Screams in silence through my brain.
Whilst my words are of encouragement
Which, to you, are not in vain.

You're ready to do battle
For future health, hard won;
For everything which you hold dear;
For your wife and much-loved son.

But, the doctors and the nurses,
Despite unstinting care;
Despite your own brave efforts,
Cannot keep you here.

For your enemy was ruthless,
Cunning, hiding out of sight;
Amassing a great army
Before challenging the fight.

Now, your short, hard war is over.
Nine days of hope all gone.
And, an empty space within our hearts
Where, once, your bright star shone.

Just one sure truth brings comfort,
Helps our grieving hearts to ease.
That is, after every battle
There comes a time of peace.

Very touching Monika, thanks for sharing it with us

That was lovely..........

That was a tender poem - thank you for letting me read it.

Monika that was very moving.