Was present, "long termer",
around years.
Has beaten odds, helped learners,
beat their fears.

Last eve, strange experience,
gave all, fright.
Had a funny turn in his appearance,
wasn't quite right.

Maybe stroke, small attack,
while seated.
Yelled to nurses urgently to get back,
checks greeted.

Tests and "risk man" passed,
cleared home.
As left, he crushed my hand grasped,
Eyes black, honed.

Felt strong underlying crawl,
right away.
Of black, dark, evil sweeping pall,
I heard death bray

So this burning disquiet rests,
now am thrown.
As the clinic tomorrow, commences,
he there, unknown?