Full Term

"I've lived too long," he ruefully said
As I was moving him to his last home.
"A respectable man would be dead.
My life is an obese, timed-out tome."

Truth lived in the old man's words.
He had reached the doddering age.
His brain shrunk to bird-like size--
A pity, he was once seen as a sage.

It's possible to outpace mortality's run
When body and mind come to naught.
But it isn't for us to declare "I'm done."
Valid moments may still be brought.

"What kind of moments?" he implored.
To live the full term God granted you.
It will be difficult but can't be ignored.
It's what Deity would have you do.

"With no quality of life, it's a sham.
It's senseless to endure such grief."
I opened a book picturing the Lamb,
And his face betrayed a sense of relief.

In His time you can bid this life adieu--
The ups and downs, the stress and strife.
Only then will you be thoroughly through.
Only then are you fit to turn in your life.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 9/21/2015 5:58:00 PM
I found your portrayal of old age so heartbreaking Paul - mum refers to some of the residents in her care home as ' the living dead' the rarely go out of their rooms and some never get visitors:-( hugs jan xx
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 9/21/2015 7:33:00 PM
Your Mother is a saint, Jan. Caring for the elderly is emotionally draining; it can tear your heart out. Bless her. . . . As always, I value and appreciate your always-insightful comments. hugs xxx
Date: 9/21/2015 11:36:00 AM
Paul, you have penned a beautiful poem full of emotion, so many old people are kept alive well past their time with medication and it is heartbreaking to hear them praying for death ( I work in long term care) and thanks for visiting my poem, Broken Wings ..
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 9/21/2015 7:39:00 PM
Thank you, Broken Wings. You, like Jan's mother, are rendering Christ-like service. I find that beyond commendable. . . . I'm grateful for your kind words about the poem. It was my blessing to visit your wonderful poem. All the best.
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