PHA UK member Anita Jackson lives with PH and Eisenmenger Syndrome, and started writing poetry whilst shielding during the pandemic.

At 3 

they said 

‘needs a heart operation’

Before the operation 

they said

‘Survival chance 50/50’

12 hours on the operating table

they said

‘Got a fighter here’

Teenage years 

they said

‘Don’t expect to see 40’

Mid 30s 

they said

‘Unlikely to survive to fifth decade’

Mid 40s 

they said

‘Should make 60’

Mid 50s

They 

stopped 

saying.

Is the final full stop near?

Or, tired of losing, 

they’ve ceased making bets?