The Red Light
Jo Bruce
(Poem from episode 2)

The red light blinks, it’s always there
On the TV by the chair
It blinks and blinks through  day and night 
It’s like ME, that little light.

I need to bathe and wash my hair
But red light says “no energy spare”
I scream in pain as muscle burns
A few more steps, my stomach churns.

I do some laundry when I dare
And stiffly reach while neighbours stare
I climb the stairs to get back home
But blink, blink, blink, my energy’s gone.

In dead of night my brain pulsates
Just like that light I’ve grown to hate
Good days are few and far between,
I long to run and dance and sing!

I once shone bright with spark and flair
But now nerves twist me to despair 
My face so ghostly in the sun
Who would know if I was gone?

That red light blinks til power’s off
ME won’t kill you doctors scoff
But we have lost so many friends 
I wonder when my red light ends?

The red light blinks… it blinks… blink…blink… bli’