Coffee Break- We speak to David Steele about his poetry and he tell of his sight loss journey

For more information check out David's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StandByMeRP Where you can find out more about what he does.

Here is the Poem that is read out as part of this Coffee Break

My world is disappearing right before my very eyes and as the tunnel gets much smaller, another part of me now dies. Can't believe that this is happening, never thought it would be me, for all my trials that I've been through, in this life certain I'd see.

But it seems I took for granted, all the days I had full sight, should have seen so many places, should have gone out more at night. Wish I'd looked more at the stars and all worlds most wondrous things, now rely on my imagination for the problems blindness brings.

Still I'm grieving for the future, ever longing for the past, waking up each day and wondering if these sights will be my last. Know I'm cutting myself off from the world to spare the pain, find it hard to see in sunshine, find it hard to see in rain.

Feel I've lost my place in line, all because I've fading vision, but I need to make this fine, need to make it my life's mission. Have to build a new foundation, new direction in my life, have to do it for my children, have to do it for my wife.

I will stand up now for others, who's life's door has firmly shut, be my sisters and my brothers, no more days in comfy rut. Words will open heart and soul, by showing my example, focused now on every goal, feeling brave to take a gamble.

So if days get hard you've played your cards and walls are closing in, hope these words make sense, pull down defence, and you never give in. Just stand by me and you will see and blind we'll fight as one, together sightless friend, always depend, long after visions gone.

By Dave Steele