Danny used to be a man
of tremendous energy.
Even late into his seventies
he would spend hours
cleaning cars,
clearing gutters
washing windows,
trimming long hedges,
pruning branches,
topping trees,
planting tomatoes,
fixing paths,
cleaning out fountains,
removing moss,
gathering strawberries.

Danny never seemed to stop.

But Danny’s not well
and he was tired today,
not because of long hours spent
in his beloved garden,
or a long day’s shopping in town.
Danny was tired after a short trip into town
because the shoes he was wearing
were too heavy.

Danny has lost his appetite.
and is losing weight.
He losing sleep
and is losing energy.
He’s losing confidence.
Bit by bit
and day by day,
we’re losing Danny.

© Claire Murray, 29 June 2012