Poem for Caroline

 Before

Oh God
What am I going to say
To you
Who are dying?
Words are hopeless
 
I have my presence
Deep breath
My task is to be with you
 
You are going too early
But I feel that way about everyone
Called to their own death
What next?
 
During
 
We sit in silence
Connected by spirit
I sing you a chant
We both know
 
When I speak to you
Your body moves in response
From the depth of your pain and morphine
You know I am with you.
 
After
 
I walk back to the train station
A local man with a fag and a walking stick
Says ‘Cheer up, it may not happen!’
I smile ruefully.