Larraine could not hear, see or talk and used a wheelchair, requiring 24/7 paid support.
As the only unpaid person in Larraine’s life, Lesley used to visit regularly and monitor her wellbeing. Although Larraine could not verbally express her appreciation, she used to beam with pleasure as soon as Lesley walked in. Recognising that Larraine communicated differently and had few opportunities to experience the joy of making a positive contribution to another, Lesley made a point of telling Larraine that seeing her radiant smile lit up her life and always made her day.
In time Lesley became fluent in ‘the language of the heart’ where no words are needed. For us, who may not be so fluent in that language, Lesley translated for Larraine in her poem:
when the tide
brings you
no beacons are lit
in my country
your kiss
your own fingers
announce you
in my castle
I keep no song birds
there is silence
at my table
the feet of my
servants do not echo
I command no fool
employ no heralds
rule without decree
give you no title
my sounds cannot
be ordered
I am as I am
I breathe
your intimacy
inhale your secrets
and in the deep
place of my being
I hold you secure.
