Hospice

An acquaintance of mine
(More the friend of a friend)
Was just told that her life
May be nearing its end.

She is ready for hospice,
Her doctor suggested;
She cannot go home,
Which is what she requested.

Her husband bailed out
When she first became sick,
Taking up with a lover
He found rather quick.

But perhaps I’m unfair – 
Maybe illness aside,
He just fell out of love
Or what she could provide.

Still, right now she’s alone
At the end of her days,
Though her friends rally ‘round
In restorative ways.

It’s so awful to hear
Of a person you’ve known
Who will soon be laid out
With her name on a stone.

It’s a jarring reminder
Of what we deny
That as time marches on,
We will all get to die.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Johnson Avatar
June 23, 2014 at 12:54 PM
These are the times that try the soul. Relinquishing self to having control. To judge one another is not our domain. Disdain is a waste with nothing to gain. You write about such things Ilene with amazing aplomb. Peace be you. Amen.
Vaso Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 11:12 PM
This is a beautiful tribute to such a sad situation, and one we will all face at some point, yes its these situations that make poets of us all! Silly to say, but I feel the sadness when I hear of these stories,
Manassian Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 11:37 AM
Oh dear Ilene. I visited my friend's father in the hospital yesterday...I don't think he has long. These same thoughts were whirling around in my mind. Death is ever present....but one day, Death will die...as John Donne so beautifully wrote in his poem, Death Be Not Proud. Thank you for your encouraging visits. Hugs and love to you!
Dietrich Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 12:20 AM
a sad one you did for today, Ilene. I don't know how some humans can do these kinds of things to each other. especially when there is so little time anyway. Good grief. You see it all the time though. it is really maddening to me.
Enriquez Avatar
June 19, 2014 at 7:13 PM
Dear Ilene: So sad but so true. I have heard many such horror stories even in my neighbourhood. Good write. Leon
Allison Avatar
June 19, 2014 at 4:52 PM
Hospice is very involved in my personal life at the moment Ilene. Our hospice do the most amazing job in fact I wrote a poem about it too. So sad when someone can't cope with the illness of a loved one and goes and seeks comfort/companionship elsewhere when the person is so in need of support. Have heard of this several times. Hugs as ever jan xxxx
Vaso Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 11:16 PM
Yes we have a wonderful one here, so nice to hear there is places people can have peace and love in their final days!!!!!
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