1Lying on white sheets,
Head propped up on pillows
Painkillers giving release,
Torturous time stretching before her -
A few days, an eternity
In this dull, tidy room.
No one to talk to,
Eyes too weak to read-
Her only comfort; her only torment:
Memories.
Memories of time spent talking,
Working, growing, walking
Memories of laughter, pleasure shared
Dear friends of old,
Speaking healing words-
Memories of a little girl,
Merry in the winter of England,
Feasting on Roast puds,
Fire glowing, mother sewing,
Chatter of a day well spent.
Out of school,
At fourteen working
Then, swept away from home
To a faraway land,
Young love, Young marriage-
Children raised.
Tears lost on war.
Memories of Risks not taken,
Wrong things said and done.
Reflecting on her life -
"How did I make myself content?"
But, no, that's not the question now,
Years has taught her this, asks
"How did I improve the life of others?"
God answered:
With loving words,
Generous actions,
And a serving heart-
These things done,
She can rest content,
Her life a blessing to others.
With no regrets, she shuts her eyes.
Sleep now, my child, you've done well.