A Dying Request

I heard the shot and  turned around 

The old man fell down on the ground .

I ran over to where he fell.

His soul bound for heaven or hell .

His open wound profusely bled .

I looked at him and softly said ,

“ Is there anything I can do.”

 “Listen to what I’m telling you.”

I gently lifted up his head,

And listened to the things he said .

“I have a bullet in my gut ,

and I know my number is up”

On to each of his words I clung

“I am old but you are still young,

and my house needs urgent repairs.

Can you fix the floorboards and stairs,

The walls could do with a soundproof

And replace those tiles on the roof.

  Can you finish that concrete edge ,

   Around the rose bed and the hedge .

I’ve wanted to do that for years. ”

My eyes held back a well of tears,

“Sure old man I’ll do that for you ”

His time to go was drawing near .

Then I felt his breath disappear.