death

The news, on the BBC World Service, that eight British soldiers have been killed in the last twenty-four hours in Afghhanistan, led me to start writing about Death...
I wrote and wrote and then I stopped and deleted it

Still, some days I feel that Death stalks me.
The rising toll of loved-ones lost threatens to overwhelm me.
I remind myself that Death is a natural part of Life
but still it seems as if I attend more funerals than birthdays

I made The Englishman promise that he would not "stand at my grave and weep"
But that was when I thought I would leave before him
when I thought that he was much stronger than me

"If you should die before me, ask if you can bring a friend"

So, I flee from Death
I seek comfort in the solidity of the four walls that surround me
in the warmth and love of twenty-four furry paws
in the knowledge that The Ragazzi are going about their daily lives

it's an illusion but it's better than drugs
or a morbid dwelling on Death

How am I doing?

This morning I stepped outside the back door
The leaves of lilies are sparkling with raindrops
yet more green beans have appeared, almost overnight
the golden glow of courgette flowers lights a corner of the small veggie plot

Life, strong and healthy
New leaves, new flowers, new beans
Life goes on

In the midst of Death we are in Life

Everything comes to those who wait
and for those who wait too long Death comes sooner than expected

One day your life will flash before your eyes.
Make sure it's worth watching