No,despair,I shall not let you win
I’l fight you with my being and disdain
No,despair, you are a deadly sin
I’ll drive you out by writing with my pen

Oh,despair, be not my constant friend.
I look for one much brighter and less fey.
To you no card or present will I send
You must not steal my company today.

Oh, fond despair,I cannot hide from you
I fly into your blackness like a bird
Yet now it is a golden light I see,
Consoling and so warm it clothes my words

Despair,my friend, I’ll fear no more your deeps.
You open up a door while I still weep

2018

Could it be despair that held me tight

in that February evening and the night

I could not see a way to carry on

Everything seemed dark and I was done

I saw great blackness all around myself

I could not be restored, I had no health

I had reached the end of seeking aid

God alone knew all the coins were paid

Oh gracious mysterious glowing light

That made a warm shawl round me on that night

Impressing me with kindness and goodwill

Holding me until I’d had my fill

Most sensuous, most tangled with love’s grace

Surrounding me, protecting my lost face

As if the arms of love were something real

That anyone who knew this must reveal

Only if we reach that darkest point

May the force of Love with light annoint

I was glad to hear your voice this afternoon

Minor strokes cause worry, if not doom

We all have blood to thick to pass with ease

Tell the doctor they will be quite pleased

They like to prescribe drugs to our old folk

They often try to mend us when we’re broke

And though their drugs may kill they take no blame

They feel so little guilt so little shame.

They gave me aspirin every single day

The dentist was so worried that she prayed

Luckily she quelled the blood that leaked

I was so surprised I could not speak.

Remember good intentions can go wrong.

Winter may develop amid Spring

Do not help another till you’re sure.

What you give  won’t harm them but will cure

If  you are in doubt you should do naught

Life can be destroyed but can’t be bought