I RECENTLY had two admissions to Arrowe Park Hospital, the first being in an emotional state after finding out that I was seriously ill.
I was sent there by Eastham walk-in centre and was received urgently by the hospital.
I was put on Ward 20 where I was so well looked after by the staff who encouraged me and whose treatment of me could not have been better.
The second admission was around three weeks later with a fractured rib.
I was again treated by staff, this time on ward 21, with the most kind and considerate attention.
I was writing in my book on the eve of my discharge when a male nurse asked if I had ever written poetry.
"Yes, 42 years ago", I replied.
I am now aged 76.
He asked if I could write it one for him, which I did as follows:
Alone for now
As I sit in my rocking chair
I sit listening to old records in a state of despair
I'm backwards and forwards with nothing to do
But I now must look forward and start anew
I must now plan a route to the top of the mountain
Never stay at the bottom and drown in the fountain
For the clouds in the sky don’t rain all the time
They have a rest for the sun to shine
I hope this poem gives a lift to people as it did me when I wrote it.
The reaction from staff was that they wanted a copy from me to pass on to people to help overcome their despondences.
John Elliott by email
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