Welcome Back

Published by Sue Cook at November 30, 2023

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**Dedicated to Anthony Cannova**

The message came through late at night
My phone pinged once as I prepared for dinner.
A heart attack;
an accident.

You died three times

and they you rushed to the hospital.
Only a miracle would save you!
On a vent,
tubes everywhere,
wires hooking you up to equipment.

You died three times.

“Don’t expect full recovery, or recovery at all,” someone said.

You died three times!

Did you see anyone in the afterlife?
Did my Daddy, your dad and Andy shove you back to earth?
Did they bar your entrance into Glory?

If they did…
Thank you!

You overcame death to come back, to bring art to this world.

You overcame death!

Don’t forget that, cousin, or your Dad and uncle will not be happy.

Your brother, Andy, will not be happy!

I have seen them when they are not happy.
It’s not a pretty sight.

Welcome back!

Life would not be the same without you.

Need more poetry? Check out these offerings from the MockingOwl Roost contributors and staff.

Sue Cook

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Sue Cook lives in Freeport, Illinois with her husband Randy and two dogs. Her passions include assistance dogs, rescue dogs, music, acting, theater, poetry, and Doctor Who. She’s been in both film and theater and is a regular cast member of the podcast Doctor Who’s Line is it….Anyway? Sue is an advocate for the use of Service Dogs to assist their disabled handlers to maintain their independence. Quigley’s Quest, her first children’s book, addresses how a dog becomes a Service Dog.