Lara Parsons

Lara was eleven when she wrote this poem for her brother Elliot who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Part One was written in December 1996 and Part Two in April 1997 the day after Elliot died aged 3 years and 9 months.

Elliot

Part One

I have a little brother with a serious disease.
It is much worse than a cough or a sneeze.
Neuroblastoma is what it’s called,
Because of the treatment now he is bald.

Cancer …..is it’s name,
Oh no! What a shame.

I don’t like to think this but I don’t know why,
Elliot might unfortunately die.

People say that it must be hard to cope But me and my family, we just live in hope.

Part Two

On the 22nd April Elliot died.
He did his best, he tried and tried
To keep us happy and try to be strong.
We thought he’d be O.K. but we were wrong.

I love and miss him so very much.
If only I could feel his tender touch.
Now I’m in such a muddle,
I just wish I could give him a kiss and a cuddle,

An only child again am I.
Why did this have to happen,
OH WHY OH WHY?