There’s been a sudden flurry of activity
at Danny and Dolores’s house –
nurses and doctors coming and going,
discussions going on,
action plans being drawn up,
phone numbers being exchanged,
supplies being bought in,
just in case.

Procedures are being put in place
in case Danny takes ill
suddenly.
These plans are meticulous,
immensely practical
and chilling to hear.
These plans are essential
just in case.

I feel as if, right now,
I live in the company of Death
and I suspect
that other members of the family
feel the same.

But not Danny!

Through all of this,
Danny greets us with a smile
and I get the distinct impression
that Danny looks Death in the eye,
smiles and says,
“Sure never worry about that fella there yet.
He won’t come before his time
and it’s not his time yet!”

These past few days
I have felt a sense
of dread and apprehension
as I live
in the company of Death
while Danny
on the other hand lives,
at peace,
in the company of His God.

In the meantime,
the flurry of activity continues
just in case.

© Claire Murray, 29th September 2013