The baby cried, and Annabel smiled
A new life has just been born
And tears of joy were wiped away
While the pain was all but gone
Annabel blessed the little bundle
And placed him in his crib
Then offered the new mum something to eat
After removing her running drip
Down the corridor she walked
Stealthily and so quiet
To allow her patients to get some sleep
She tried with all her might
For those who needed an extra blanket
Or a warm drink before bed
Annabel never compromised
To meet their needs as said
The children all came running out
For a hug and a special smile
Annabel sneaked them a sweet or two
And played with them for a while
Whilst peals of laughter rang out loud
Through the cold and dreary wall,
Annabel savoured these precious moments
With Mary, Kate and Paul
When the young man who became an amputee
Was saddened by his loss
Annabel was there at his bedside
To help him bear his cross
He looked toward her with gratitude
As he put on his prosthetic leg
And took his new baby steps
Towards his girlfriend Meg
The woman in Room 25
Just learned about her fate
She has stage 4 cancer
It just might be too late
Annabel held her hand so tight
While emotions were running high
Please stay with me, precious nurse
I’m so afraid to die
Then there was this time
When she stayed back after work
To support a patient’s wife
Knowing there was no perk
After the surgery was over
The doctor had good news
Annabel then went home
Through the cold and misty mews
The oldies knew they had no chance
When Annabel was around
She spun them around in their wheelchair
With their feet touching the ground
Sometimes she would sing to them
While serving their favourite meal
Don’t give up on life as yet, she said
You are as young as you feel
Annabel carried herself
With dignity and with pride
Upholding the laws of the profession
With her values as a guide
She never spent a moment
In idleness and in vain
Her aim was to learn everything
That may contribute to her gain
Her overwhelming presence
Was sensed by one and all
Especially the new students
Whom she mentored through the fall
From seniors to the juniors
Even those she briefly knew
Were in awe of her being
As her popularity grew
And as the years passed on
Annabel was becoming frail
She could not nurse any longer
But she left a blazing trail
She raised the bar too high
In the quest for patient care
Her standards non negotiable
Her qualities rich and rare
And so it came to pass
When Annabel breathed her last
Saying goodbye to this world
And to all things present and past
A nurse who went beyond
The call of duty was now gone
Leaving behind memories
And a profession in mourn
The people cried, and the preacher smiled
As Annabel was laid to rest
She gave us so much inspiration
She was simply the best
The bells then tolled for the final time
So soothing and with ease
We all said a final farewell
We love you Annabel, rest in peace
