The Olive Tree
27/11/2008
By Jim McCleod, Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice
Six weeks ago I should have died
And didn't
My feet swelled up
This arm was thicker than that leg
I should've died but didn't
This week I walked across the room without a frame
I felt revitalised
Last night I lay awake, moving my fingers
And it felt good
In Greece, when the olive tree won't fruit
They wrap it in mattresses and sacking
Then bash it, knock it about generally
They stimulate a storm
The tree is revitalised
Invigorated
And fruits again.
From the Hospice Poetry competition