A Flake of Your Life

Having just read Parson thru's 'Monday Morning' it reminded me of something I wrote a while back.

I enjoy Saturday evenings. The end of the week and the chance to try out a new recipe. Last Saturday, halibut marinated in spices. Delicious! Then something worthwhile to watch on the TV. The highlight was Casualty. So we decided, unusually, to listen to some music. It was Leonard Cohen. I love his music and especially his poetry. When I listen to these sounds I am taken back thirty years to a time that is very special to me. We enjoyed the music, and the wine. I sang along with all of the words, imprinted on my memory.

I usually manage to get up first on Sunday mornings and so  take advantage of this quiet period to spend time with the computer. Playing solitaire, investigating Genes Connected, reading stories, trying to write some of my own, and viewing my emails. There were the usuals, messages from friends, offers of holidays, clothes, food etc, etc. Then I noticed that a message had been isolated by the anti spam filter. Its title was ‘Health Matters’. I was about to ignore it, thinking it might be an offer for viagra or some sort of sexual aid when I noticed the name, ’Mick’.

‘I was feeling very tired and out of sorts.

 I saw the doctor and eventually lung cancer was diagnosed.

 As an ex smoker should I be surprised!

 An operation with chemo and radio therapy to follow.

Reni has been my backbone now, and always.

I am positive. I try to influence those around me with this feeling.’

I am taken back thirty years. Sitting with real friends. Mag has made some home made wine, elderflower I think, very potent. We’ve just eaten a rabbit casserole. I’m not too sure about it but money is a bit tight so it’s a cheap option.

Mick puts a record on the record player.

‘And Jane came by…….’

Leonard Cohen. The first time I had heard him and his music.

I suppose the friends and the music an influence on the rest of my life.

I find that I am sleeping and waking to the lyrics of Leonard Cohen which means so much more than what he words actually say.

Unfortunately Mick lost his battle.