As a child, her brooch
a Celtic knot, mesmerised
with its endless woven intricacy.
Yet, always her child,
She never found the future
An easy thing to talk about with me.
But, at 4 o’clock
Over tea’s ceremony
The tea pot warmed, cups, plates and lemon cake –
Our conversation
Might sometimes include her hopes
And slowly. her wishes revealed themselves.
Months, wonderful months
Of connecting, collecting
The threads of her life – her own Celtic brooch.
And my life skill learned?
Never underestimate
The power of simple conversation!
written for Dying matters awareness week 2023 May 8 – 14th – audio available here :
Jo Hansen 