A modern hospital not one with an ominous look
that I entered to visit a friend.
Never keen to go into these sorts of places
to many sick people about.
On crutches in wheel chairs or walking around
reception I soon found.

Given directions to the ward on the fifth floor
taking the crowded lift.
He had a stroke yesterday it was a shock
being only forty four.
Arriving at the right level it was a maze.
of rooms I was in a daze.

Until I asked a nurse which sign I had to follow
pointing me to the location.
Here you really needed your own personal guide
finding him I went to go in.
Sitting in a big chair his appearance was not bad
by him another patient looking sad!

Certainly with a sombre and sallow complexion
left them to chat I went for a coffee.
Getting back this time he was there alone
he was pleased to see me.
Said I had seen him talking not wanting to interfere
but Jim said nobody was near!

I gave a rough description the best that I could
he gave me an odd glance.
That poor bloke you described passed away
on this very bed yesterday!

For a few moments lost for words at what he said
seeing a ghost was I going off my head?

The Foureyed Poet.