.

Our sun sets when you close your eyes.

.

Whatever time of day you sleep,

The world ends in some way,

And we

Are left, then, emptied of you.

Without your glow

Utensils clang and clatter, doors

Bang. Lowered voices chatter,

Floors well paced now echo

The deafening, forced silence.

We try not to see relief

On nurse’s faces, who,

Bringing tea,

Innocently, desperately,

Tell us to enjoy the ‘time

Alone’ that we do not want.

.

Tubes, beeps, this – a wee boy’s

Sterilised childhood –

Did not define you.

You, our son, have been our joy.

.

And so this time,

Our world ends as you close your eyes.

.

But relief comes in the way

Your pain-sun sets today.

Now, a first in far too long,

Now, and forever,

There is only peace. No pain,

And you are truly ours –

No machines

Will ever again

Restrict your eagle’s spirit.

.

You soared

Low enough for us

To see how high

We should aim.

Thank you Oscar

.

.

www.justgiving.com/oscarknox