The finals are here and our team is all primed
First section goes on with Elke our three
Her job is defending, the job she likes best
Block goals where she can and defend at all cost.

 She defended that goal, came away with the ball
But there are riders upon her and a whistle is blown
Although it's too late as the grey goes down
But Elke hits first - head hard to ground.

She is lying quite still when I get to her side
Many hands work quickly to assist her somehow
"Breathe Elke, breathe!" – then she writhes on the ground
This can't be happening to my child I cry.

This place is so foreign, grey floor, walls and beds
Where our lovely young princess lies sleeping
More wires and injections, oh when will it end
More scans and ex-rays to rule out foul play
Dreaded words are repeated – head injury and trauma
This can't be happening, her light is not burning.

Her first night is long, now awake, then asleep,
She fidgets and twists lost alone in her world
Lights flash, drips sustain, her breath ebbs and flows
I watch every movement, every movement so close.

At last it is morning and a bright fresh new day
But Elke sleeps on with no dreams to show
Her man comes in quietly and greets her with ease
But the girl on the bed doesn't respond immediately.

Then slowly her gaze fixes firmly on him
As he moves round the bed to be by her side
With warm smile and words soft, he possesses her hand
Gently whispers a kiss to her still fevered brow.

At last he's rewarded with a smile from her lips
And her hand slowly reaching up to his face
But his eyes become bright as he sees what I see
That Elke's not with us - not with him, not with me.

In the still of the night as I lie at arms length,
She's twisting and turning, quite restless in bed
What is it, sweet Elke, what is it you want?
Are you cold, are you thirsty, please tell me, my love
My questions unanswered, she stares back at me
Head lowers to pillow, sleeps quietly with me.

Oh God, come back Elke, come back to us love
We are all waiting for you to join us
I know you are strong, just walk through that cloud
We are all waiting for you to come home.

by Odette Neumann