Night Watch
By Alex Dixon
He sits drinking his tea
watching over her
as she sleeps, fitfully.
He can't sleep- too anxious.
She winces and turns
then suddenly sits.
He jumps up
to fetch the bucket- quickly.
She vomits violently.
He whisks away the bucket,
reaches for a tissue
and wipes her mouth gently.
"Sorry." She says.
"Don't be silly," replies he.
He tips the contents down the loo carefully.
She lies back down,
closes her eyes.
He gets back in bed
and finishes his tea, sipping slowly.
He switches on his mobile-
a weak light in the dark room-
and finds Google.
'Chemo side effects' he searches.
A cancer support board.
He clicks onto it gratefully.
Register,
Start new thread.
'Can't sleep, worried about my wife.' he types.
He waits patiently.
She sleeps peacefully.
Her head porcelain-white
on the crimson pillow.
A new comment appears.
'Mate, I know how you feel...' it begins.
He smiles softly.
It feels good to have some company.
Latest updates
Project helping unpaid carers to get active is up and running again after three-year funding boost
New funding from Sport England will support the Carers Active Project, led by Carers UK, working to reduce barriers and…
Carers UK responds to Work & Pensions Select Committee report ‘Pathways to Work’
We are pleased to see the Select Committee’s report stress the negative impact the proposals in the Pathways to Work…
Carers UK responds to the House of Lords debate on the Universal Credit Bill on 22 July 2025
The Universal Credit Bill has now completed all of its stages through Parliament.
Carers UK response to the ADASS annual survey
This latest report reveals that most Directors of social services have seen an increase in unpaid carers approaching them for…
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.