My cousin Ray is seriously ill
A thoughtful silence broods inside of me
He is my ‘brother’
We know each other well
We watch and wait to see how things will be
The day my father had to leave his home
He sat and shook his head and sadly sighed
Nothing mum could do the doctor said
He needs more care the ambulance came outside
This little house this bungalow so fine
Had nestled him and warmed him to the core
But now it seemed that they were calling time
The bar is closing no time for just one more
My father sat and gently wiped his eye
My mother felt the pang inside her breast
How faithfully they had sealed the tie
How hard it is to leave a feathered nest
That day marked the beginning of the end
For a life begun so near in Tyldesley town
Of a miner and a soldier a father and a friend
The old man knew the sun was going down
Today that sun is shining bright on me
I hope it shines for many days to come
I pray for Ray for whatever now will be
A courage that will see him safely home
Brian Fahy
28 April 2021
Erris Poetry 