A poem written by Neil Garvie, in honour of his brother Gord Garvie who lost his battle to ALS in 1987. A few words from Neil about his brother and his experience with ALS: Gord was an Olympic Wrestler and Team Canada Wrestling coach, well-known in Canadian sports circles; particularly at Lakehead University & University of Saskatchewan where he taught. I watched Gord dwindle. From prime to withered in four years. He fought, but what a struggle. In honour of Gordie, here is Neils poem. Prime Perfection, written by Neil Garvie My brother once prime perfection had grown awkward Formerly robust arms now hung from his shoulders fingers from un-lifted hands wilted legs which used to run forever would not walk again While his body slowly gave over wilting to Lou’s-the-man his eyes retained a brightness within I could see he ran and flipped and swam eyes wide open a brilliant light inside was stirring I forgot for the moment I was with him as boys I joined him there we ran in fields and swam the sea When I left I saw that burning gaze intent as ever I had seen not giving up as bone by stubborn bone and muscle my brother fought and once again I saw him as prime perfection.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:30:23 +0000