-As I Lay Dying

I lay alone in this hospital bed dying
With not a soul by my side
Reflecting on the life l lead
Tears of regret and shame l have cried

I was not an easy man to live with
I always felt the need to be right
I would disagree and complain
About “nothing and everything” in sight

I should have listened to my wife feelings
Told her what was in my heart
How much l truly loved and needed her
Before our marriage fell apart

My family were my life
Yet l never told them so
Too stubborn, too selfish, too afraid
To tell them what they needed to know

So, I pushed them all away
Because l never took the time
To truly listen and understand
Reassure ,comfort them ….that all would be fine

I know now what l should have done differently
Starting by telling them  “l love you” everyday
Accepted their differences and opinions
Honestly “hearing” what they had to say!

Said “sorry” when l should have
Been loving ,giving and kind
Told them their true worth and value
My real feelings in both heart and mind

Yet I never did that, 
l kept my real feelings locked away
I am estranged from my family…. it’s too late for me now
As l lay dying ,sad and alone in this hospital bed today

So If l could give any advice to you as l leave this world
It would be “tell and show” the ones you love exactly how you feel
Do it today …..not tomorrow
It is never to late to apologise, reconcile, forgive and heal!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 8:14 PM
'Maybe I didn't love them, just as much as I should have...' Willie Nelson ('They were always on my mind.' -- Big deal, Willie. You dead yet?! lol.) ~ Pigtails and Cornpone, gw (OK, truth be told, I am actually a big Willie Nelson fan. Just havin' a little fun tonight...).
M  Avatar
October 25, 2023 at 1:31 PM
Crazy BB l say!! Ha…..Debx
Flood Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 4:02 PM
I was waiting for the happy twist, Deb. Alas, real life doesn’t do happy twists. Such a deep, meaningful write highlighting the inescapable truth that what we don’t say or do today….. we may not get to say or do tomorrow. Nicely done. Terry
M  Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 1:53 PM
Thanks Terry…say it today for sure!! Debx
Empress Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 2:19 PM
This hits strong and hard really! Very well written and delivered! I absolutely love the way you’ve conveyed that message at the end. But it is often human nature, to only express and show and tell how much something or someone means to them when its too late. And ironic so many speak about the good only when one passes away too. This is soul hitting for me! And your beautiful mind can be felt through this. Love this!
M  Avatar
November 3, 2023 at 1:59 PM
Wow what a comment ….thankyou so so much IE! I am a big believer in showing love and being present in my loved ones lifes….it is the most important thing to me…..”love “ at the end of ones day is all that matters!! Debx
Goldsmith Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 12:20 PM
WOW!!! A powerful write/ending. It is so true for many/so sad. Have a blessed day....................
M  Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 12:22 PM
Thankyou so much Paula and yes it is true for many both male and female! Debx
Buhagiar Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 10:14 AM
There are people who find it hard to express their endearments. I am one of the really, but I showed my love in my behaviour and kindness and we understood each other well. Ans she totally relied on me. So I still grieve. Cuddles and blessings.
M  Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 12:28 PM
We are all different and there are no wrongs or rights with love…..Cuddles my friend!! Debx
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