Poem: Nik
A light went out today
My friend Nikki has had to go away
She’s been my friend for forty years
We’ve partied hard, we’ve shed some tears.
Her being gone has left a gaping hole
I hurt so much, it tears my soul
I want her back, to tell her how I feel
This year it’s been so hard, will I ever heal?

A light went out today
Nothing will bring her back, nothing I do or say
It was a bright light, one that colours your world
but now it seems grey, even black, a meld
It didn’t matter that we lived so far apart
Lifelong friends, where do I start?
I know she didn’t want to leave
But she had no choice so now I grieve

A light went out today
She’s gone forever and it’s not okay
She left such an impact on the lives she did touch
Her family, her friends we will miss her so much
She lit up a room with her warmth & her grace
She was loud; she was funny, with a beautiful face
Life is not fair, it’s cruel and it’s hard
I hurt so much but put up a facade

A light went out today
A shiny light with bling and a special way
A special person, a best friend, a great mother
A strong & beautiful person not quite like any other
The wines we have drunk to solve problems of the world
The birthdays, the dinners, the parties she’s held
now locked in my memories forever to savour
Even to the last, I don’t think anyone could have been braver

A light went out today
I wish it could be switched back on, I wish there was a way
Cancer – it snuffs out light and takes your life
It’s taken a friend, a mother, a wife
We must try to be grateful for the time that we had
But it’s ever so hard and so terribly sad
Nikki was young with much still to do
She was loved by so many I think that she knew

A light went out today
The tears that well up that I can’t keep at bay
I didn’t really think to say goodbye
I wanted her to live, to fight, to at least try
Maybe I was wrong to pressure her that way
I was thinking of myself, what else could I say
My friend will be forever in my heart
There is so much she gave, where do I start?

A light went out today
Up in the sky near the Milky Way
Our Nik she is no longer around
It’s quieter now, less colour, less sound
Her absence will forever be felt
The love and the warmth your heart it could melt
Fiery and stubborn, with a will that was strong
But not strong enough as she wasn’t around long

A light went out today
I wish it hadn’t as there is so much still to tell her and say
Two beautiful children she raised with such grace
I look at them now and can still see her face
A wonderful husband with faults just like mine
How much we discussed it over a glass of good wine
It is not right that she’s been taken so soon
God it’s not fair, I only feel gloom

A light went out today
but in our hearts her glimmer will never go away

Sarah VANDEPEER, 2019
‘Soldier’
Intaglio Print – Dry Point Etching
29 x 21 cm

Poem: Warriors
‘Tis beauty within that I seek
Not a life with such sadness so bleak
All of us people who feel
If nurtured correctly we’ll heal

So many warriors in pain
Crying for help but in vein

But if you don’t listen and hear
Then the worse we will get is my fear
I’m still capable and smart
Give me time, give me space, have a heart

So many warriors in pain
From the body as well as the brain

How many lives on the line
Suck it up, get on with it, you’ll be fine
I’m tough and I’m fit
I never thought I’d be hit

So many warriors in pain
I just hurt; it’s not as if I’m insane

Treat us all with respect
Not abuse and neglect
Don’t judge me or think you know best
Or I’ll think you’re just like all the rest.

So many warriors in pain
Our welfare which is your bain

I just need time and patience to heal
Then happy inside I can feel
In the future, much stronger, you’ll see
A survivor, not a victim I’ll be

So many warriors in pain
Give me time, I’ll fight again

Sarah VANDEPEER, 2019
‘Blue’
Triptych Mixed Media
15 x 25 cm