That Damned Bell!

That damned bell.

‘Yes Tom, what is it, love?’

‘May I have a cup of tea please, nurse?’

Just give me a few minutes and I’ll make one for everyone.’

That damned bell.

‘Nurse, did I ever show you the photos from when I was on the stage? I played with some of the all time greats, you know, before they were famous.’

‘I’m sorry Tom dear. I’m just in the middle of making the beds. Later eh?’

That damned bell.

‘Hello nurse, my eyes aren’t what they used to be. Do you think you could read the newspaper to me for a few minutes?’

‘Oh Tom, Pet, I’m just serving the lunches. I’ll be sure to pop in later and if I have time I’ll read to you then.’

That damned bell.

‘Nurse, my back is really hurting. Could you rub it for me?’

‘Yes Tom, just give me a little while to finish up out here and then if it’s still bad I’ll do it for you.’

That damned bell.

‘Nurse, I don’t get to talk to many people these days, could you spare a few moments just to talk to me, please. I get ever so lonely sitting here by myself.’

‘Later Tom, darling, I have a hundred and one things to do before my shift ends.’

Tom died last night: I never did hear his tales of the war or about him being in the trenches or of the time he was a captive of the Japs in a Prisoner of War camp. He never told me about the day he met the king or about the queen’s Coronation and the street party that lasted three days. He was going to tell me about the time that he received an award for bravery under duress and I never heard the story about the year when he saved for three months just to buy his wife a ring for Christmas.

Tom had so much to say ...If only I had made the time to listen.