All you who are in the whole of your health,
Would you ever swap with me in remission ? No ?
You probably think it would shorten your life,
But neither would I swap with you,
For I know that remission has lengthened mine,
I briefly stared into the merciless eyes of the reaper,
Perhaps therein lies the difference.

Do you ever hear yourself breath ,
And savour every single breath ? I do !
I suspect you love Spring flowers....
But I know that I must adore them slightly more.
I wouldn't pluck one for I would see it as a death,
But I would smell them on bended knee,
and not complain about my damp stained pants........
I would only remember the scent !
I used hate the interruption of my alarm in the morn'
Now it is the sweetest sound.....
like a song-bird in full voice on a leafy branch,
pleading for a handful of crumbs.

It's almost eight years now since
my last passionate kiss.......shocked ??
Or you might ask........Why ??
It's because I remained true.....that's why !
We're divorcd a year now and that picture
of us on the wall ........is now just a nail........
Yes I am gulping as I write.......
I'm not too proud to cry,
It's sad, it's raw, it's true... it's gone !.....but hear this.........
"I have risen from those cold cinders",
My next kiss (should there be one) will be special.....
...because the way I feel right now...
I would nearly kiss a stone wall .

You can bid me respect if you wish.......
but please don't show me sympathy or pity,
I abhor those two words !......for these lines are not penned in complaint...
but in Appreciation of life......another chance....
I stride positively forward now..somewhat sorrowful...
but extremely determined !
Thank Heavens for remission !