Asthma Attack

          from book,  'From Darkness to Light' by              Dr Audrey Coatesworth

The shadows my only comfort

In the dark, long hours alone

Unable to breath and frightened

I face the vast unknown

Shall I reach the morning?

Will I see the daybreak's light

Or will I go to sleep for ever during this dreadful night?

Many others have walked this path

The pain severe, with fear

If I get through each moment

Then finality will come near

Either the spasm will ease away

Or I shall not see the dawn

I do not know my dying day as I knew not when to be born

Does it really matter?

Just one more mouth to feed

On this planet, mother earth,

There are many ones in need

But somehow, it is important

To try hard, keep travelling on

But at least the past is over, what has gone before is done

When eventually I face whoever

And whenever that time may be

I shall not ‘cross’ myself or

Bend down upon one knee.

No, I shall stand fair and square

Look him in the eyes, and say

'I tried so hard, I hoped to win, but

I was just not strong enough today!'

Poem is copyright A Coatesworth