14. AND NOW PRESENTING…
Danny Bhoy coming to visit.
He had been so kind
To Clara
Nearly two years ago.
She and Sophie planned to see his show
Back then.
(Danny Bhoy, star of Comedy Festival.
Very funny, but most important:
“Such a spunk!” women sigh,
Clara too, enchanted by him.)
But then
Clara got sick,
Couldn’t make it to the show.
And then
Happy accident
Sophie, working in the festival bar
Met Danny Bhoy, told him about Clara.
Ill, in hospital
Next day, surprise!
Danny appeared in Clara’s ward
Bearing gifts:
Autographed posters of his show,
Movie DVDs.
We took photos: Danny, arm around
A beaming Clara
She delighted,
And he so pleasant:
Cheerful, friendly, encouraging.
Since then
They have kept in email touch.
Clara with news of home, family
Treatment progress,
Funny teenage girly banter,
Danny on his travels, performances
Domestic details.
Now he’s back,
on the Melbourne leg of his Aussie tour,
And he’s coming to dinner at our house!
We welcome him, usher into lounge.
Greetings, some awe, all is friendly though.
But where is Clara?
(She’s in her room, dressing, making up,
Rose helping)
Drinks served, small talk
(where is Clara?)
Ah, here she is.
Clara glides in, smiling shyly,
Poised, elegant, knowing she looks her best.
She is beautiful, stunning,
Her dress dark colours, black and red,
Make-up perfectly matching,
Yet she is pale, ethereal.
Danny is impressed, all smiles
(but surely he can see the illness
has drained life away,
compared to the lively kid
He met
Back then.
This young woman carries
the wisdom, gravity, grace
of one who calmly
Looks death in the face.)
Dinner, chat,
Posing for photos, Clara and Danny,
She so pleased,
“He’s mine (for now)” her smile says,
As they hug and mug for the camera.
Another picture, and another.
Danny farewells, goes.
Clara droops, exhausted now,
She summoned up all her strength
To live the evening to its full,
One of her last, great performances.
27 May 2012
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