richards odes

Nihil Desperandum

In fear and trepidation I entered in that room

Sure the only thing I’d hear would fill me full of gloom.

Everything I hoped for seemed far too far away

For the strength to cope with it was all I tried to pray.

If I dared to hope too much the worst would be a blow

And how I’d then accept it I really didn’t know.

I was planning for the worst, to make the best of things

Trying to be positive, ignoring painful stings.

Of course I prayed, and others did, that all would turn out well

But still the doubts were in my mind like some warning bell.

The consultant questioned Sue and I and studied all my case

And as he looked me over my heart began to race.

This was where he’d tell me that a seizure had occurred

And that from any driving I should be deterred.

Instead he looked me in the eye. “Don’t be alarmed”, he said,

“This was not a seizure but an odd event, instead.

A sudden loss of memory is disturbing, it is true,

But it is not unusual to forget some things you do!

If you find confusion is becoming more frequent

A memory clinic may just be the place you should be sent.

I can see no reason why you’re unsafe to drive

Go and enjoy your holiday. I’m sure that you will thrive.”

A massive lump was in my throat and tears were in my eyes

I was overwhelmed by this wonderful surprise!

All the things I’d dreaded had vanished in the air

And my heart was filled with hope instead of with despair.

I know my God is good to me and holds me in His arms

So I can only sing in praise and thank Him for His charms.