Grace's New Horizons 1941 Poem by Terry Collett

A lot has happened
in the last two months:
I have two news legs
a new maid
(thanks to Guy and Joan)
and a new cheque book.

Philip took me shopping
with the new maid(Iris)
and Iris helped me
choose the clothes
(with coupons)
as I cannot see
(but I trust
her judgement) .

I have left
the hospital
and am living
in a small place
(with Iris)
in Chelsea.

Philip comes most days
and we have dinner
(a simple affair)
and either he sits
and reads to me
I haven't learnt
Braille yet)
or we sit
and listen to music.

Once he has gone
(I dread him going)
Iris helps me undress
and I go to bed.

Iris has a room
next to mine
so she can hear me
if I fall from bed
or need her
during the night
(call of nature) .

Clive still haunts me
his death was a cruel blow
but Philip has proposed
and we will marry in June
(all being well
and Hitler has not invaded) .

I lay here on the bed
staring into darkness
listening to the birds
singing from the garden.

Iris is running me a bath
it won't be easy
but Iris said
we can manage it
and I expect we will.

I miss Clive
and my legs
and sight still.