disease raises
its kraken head
hits once
hits twice
snatches countenance away from us

under its tentacles
to our surprise a man rises
writes his fears
into a new shape
searching his way
within chaos

blows a call for duty
to everyone of us
gives the 9 to 5
a new face
and all of a sudden we can see
how he reshapes his day
accompanies his wife
we can hear him talking about her
in a loving voice

walking erect
with my bald head
my voice is clear
within a second
I view a tunnel

I’m selecting
my favorite therapy
yet on my way
I feel cold sweat

I am sitting up high
on the outmost twig
it’s a long way
I’ve got to go

Reunion after almost two months. Nadine and her mother haven’t met since a couple of days after mum’s stroke. We arrive without having announced our visit. There is no shock. We only understand that Nadine is feeling quite adjusted to this part of the hospital. We see her beautiful eyes. Once again the bald head – it looks good on her.

We all have our pains and sufferings. Hot flashes, headaches, a blurred vision and a migraine. Me, I feel a pain dragging from my wedding ring almost up to my heart. All that seems quite normal. Is it the imminent snowfalls which do not come down in the end? Or has the relief opened up the gates to pain ? Today is not a good day.

Mum has overcome her inhibitions: Will I be able to bear seeing my daughter in hospital? Am I asking too much of her with all my own anxieties? Nadine has to say goodbye to her concept: Mum must take care of herself in the first place. I will go and see her on the Alb one day.

Eventually, it is a great solace to see Nadine and Jens as a loving couple. Apart from all our anxieties and strains: It definitely is a good day.

P.S.: The picture above was taken back in August 2014 at Annika’s birthday party.