As I lie in this standard issue bed

That's too small for me

I hope that the traffic still slows

As it stutters down Eccles Old Road.

Three weeks fighting

This overwhelming infection

I'm lucky to be alive.

Nurses wash me out of hand

Truck no nonsense

Silence enrols the mind 

Dashes into line

Consider the future. 

Meander through

The ashes of the past.

Arriving back in this

Still too-short hospital bed 

Dishevelled, palpitating; relieved

Of all the burdens of the present.

Dreams take me

Where I do not wish to go..

Shivering as the night

Occupies the flow

Of blood and sweat 

Still, listen!

Whimpering silences of the night

Retreat before the angels'

Majestic delight!