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