For Tim

For Tim

One of my friends from book group has been seriously ill recently, and his reaction to it has made me realise something new about him: in his message to all of us he typically underplayed the seriousness of his condition and sought to reassure us he'd be back to normal soon.


You gave us all a turn there,  mate,
One minute living it up on holiday,
The next in a hospital bed,  awaiting repatriation,
Island hopping in helicopters,
Such drama! We didn't know what to think!

Now you're back you send us messages
Reassuringly underplaying it all,
Sending us your love,
Hoping to be back in circulation soon,
Suggesting a book we'd like to read.

Just hold on there a minute!
It's time to take, not give -
Take our love, our best wishes
Use them to build your strength,
To ease your circulation.

We have genuinely missed you,
Your on the nail analysis,  your wit,
Your contrary point of view,
But there's time enough to think of getting back.
For now just rest,  and mend.



© Copyright 2019. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved



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