"For Neil..."

Was it really a year ago
When you trotted out the door
Going for a Parkrun jog
Ending up on the floor.
A heart stopping moment
Where your heart really didn't start
If it wasn't for two off-duty doctors
Alex's life would have fallen apart.
Rushed off to King's College
Where it was touch and go
The emotions she must have gone through
Far too scared to show.
You weren't ready for the cemetary
A fighter through and through
She was there every day
A love that was so true.
You started to get stronger
Word got to Champion Hill
Jaws dropped in horror
Time almost stood still.
You couldn't kick the bucket
That's just where you stood
Surely it wasn't true
That 'god' only took the good?
To Alex, your family and football
You had far too much to give
This couldn't be happening
You simply had to live.
Even though I don't know you well
It was great to see you back
Even more emotional
When you jogged round that Dulwich Park 'track'.
I'm proud to have you both as friends
I hope you can call me a mate
It's a pleasure to be here with you
On this very special date.

Dulwich Poet 1st January 2016

(A young Dulwich Hamlet supporter, in his thirties, collapsed & his his heart stopped, last New Years Day. He had a spell in intensive care, followed by a long recovery, both in hospital and at home. This New Years Day he invited some friends to a drink at the East Dulwich Tavern, I went, and wrote this inside the card I gave him)