On top of the bed lies a frail form
A little old lady wrinkled and worn
Wide eyed and frightened her bewildered gaze
Stared up at me through a shadowed haze.
Around and about us confusion is rife
As Doctors and Nurses fight for her life
Surrounded by gadgets, science to prove
Suffering in silence, unable to move.
They reach to adjust the equipment that’s wry
And her gaze catches mine, questioning why?
I tried to ignore the tear in her eye
And I tried to ignore her shuddering sigh.
But it pierced to my heart that silent cry
Please, where is the dignity in which I should die
I’m old and I’m frail, at the end of the line
Grant me some privacy and peace at this time.
I reached for her hand and I held it tight
Then I saw in her eyes a glimmer of light
Her hand closed on mine, precious moments we shared
She knew I was there, and she knew that I cared.
As she slipped in peace to a comatosed state
I knew our encounter had not been too late
I felt for her plight, and the courage she had shown
And I knew she took comfort in not being alone.
I looked about then, and I wondered too
What all of our knowledge could really do
What would I do if the choice were mine
Would I want peace, and not borrowed time?
