Four Foot Caskets

They shouldn’t need to make caskets only four feet long Pediatricians shouldn’t have to specialize in oncology Scarves shouldn’t be worn by ten year old girls To protect their bald heads as caused by radiology Little arms shouldn’t bare puncture marks from IV needles Fifth grade homework shouldn’t be delivered to hospital beds Last rites shouldn’t be given before her confirmation dress is worn Parents shouldn’t be praying that they were the ones dying instead She is too innocent to fear her impending death She is too young to regret having never fallen in love Watching your child suffer through this torment and pain It is easy to lose faith in a merciful God up above Get well cards shouldn’t have Hello Kitty on front A last wish shouldn’t be for a Happy Meal When they remove her lifeless body from this hospital room They shouldn’t need to prepare it for another sick boy or girl They shouldn’t need to make caskets only four feet long Easily carried by just two men Funeral parlors shouldn’t be crowded with the grade school staff And a roomful of crying children For the "One Silver Tear Free Poetry Contest". Written and posted on 7/23/2012.