Grace Reflects 1940 Poem by Terry Collett

Philip came to see me
this afternoon.

I was outside
in the afternoon sunshine.

I felt it's warmth on me
I didn't expect him to come
I expect nothing
these days.

It all seems the same
in this darkness.

I don't know
what he looks like
a nurse said
he is good looking.

My blind eyes
focus only
where I hear him.

He held my hand
and kissed my cheek.

He lit me a cigarette
and we sat in silence
for awhile smoking.

When we did talk
it was on matters of me
getting artificial legs
and where he'd like
to take me.

All I could think about
was Clive and how
we made love
that last time.

Now he's dead
and I'm here
blind and legless.

For some reason
out of the blue
I whispered to Philip
make love to me
when we can
and he said
when we can.

I don't know why
I had said that
I suppose I wanted
to see if he would
even if I had no legs
and no sight
he would want to
and he had said
when we can.

I imagine
nothing now
not that
or having
those legs
to walk with
but in a bed
being made love to.

The ward is quiet now
the other patients sleep
just me here alone
wanting a future
of sorts
but not now
that will keep.