Multiple Sclerosis (full of darkness) by Chris Major

I had to light your joint
you were shaking that much;
fingers that started with pins 'n' needles
had now lost grip on cups,
cutlery, job and dignity;
no matter how high you got
you never left the rock bottom
of wife in another's bed,
children now with parents.

I wheeled you outside to sunshine,
the looming shadow
of nursing homes.
Darkness leaked,
soaked your jeans crotch,
as you inhaled,
coughed,
caused blackbirds to rise
and speckle blue sky.........


Chris Major, Staffordshire, UK