My father had a very special patient
I think she was a very special friend
I often wondered what they did together
And how their special friendship was to end

My father is a conscientious doctor
A model of connubial fair play
Unthinkable the smallest hint of scandal
Impossible that he could ever stray

And yet I wonder what they did together
He seemed to visit every single day
I often asked if she was getting better
He’d sadden – but of course he wouldn’t say

I know they met before she was a patient
The civil war when Franco conquered Spain
I know they tended wounded troops together
I know they thought they’d never meet again

I know she had a family and children
I guess they must have known about Dad
And all the extra visits that were needed
To control whatever illness that she had

And now it seems the battles all are over
And victory has slipped away once more
My father’s special patient didn’t make it
And I know that it will cut him to the core

And yet I wonder what they did together
He seemed to visit every single day
I wonder if he managed to be with her
I wonder if I’ll find the words to say
I wonder when his pain will pass away