A moder hospital not one with an ominous look

that I enterd to visit a friend.

Never keen to go into these sorts of places

to many sick people about.

On crutches in wheel chairs or walking around

reception I soon  found.

Given directions to the ward on the fifth floor

taking the crowded lift.

He had a stroke yesterday it was a shock

being only forty four.

Arriving at the right level it was a maze

of rooms I was in a daze!

Until I asked a nurse which sign I had to follow

pointing me to the location.

Here you really needed your own personal guide

finding him I went to go in.

Sitting in a big chair his appearance was not bad

by him another patient looking sad!

Certainly with a sombre and sallow complexion

left them to chat I went for a coffee.

Getting back this time he was there alone

he was pleased to see me.

Said I had seen him talking not wanting to interfere

but Jim said nobody was near!

I gave a rough description the best that I could

he gave me an odd glance.

That poor bloke you described passed away

on this very bed yesterday!

For a few moments lost for words at what he said

seeing a ghost was I going off my head?

The Foureyed Poet.