which thought cannot resist
where all is light
and dark and quiet
may not exist
And old men scream for “Mummy”
old women moan and weep
and we take turns
at holding hands
refuse to sleep
The morning brings the darkness
a chaplain with a prayer
gives you permission
to depart, and
leave us there
And in the kitchen, I alone
with akathist and rope
keep vigil still
and through the tears
cling on to hope.
Edward Rhodes (2021)
