Last Call

LAST CALL
		
We gathered around him,
circling his bed.
Last of the tubes removed,
he’s no longer being fed.

We’ve finally given consent 
to the inevitable conclusion.
After many weeks and prayers
we’re not under any delusions.

You no longer belong 
to lines and machines.
That took your spirit away
and made you only dream.

Your slipping away,
one breath, then the other.
As if the air leaving you
went searching for another.

They’ve moved you
to the fourth floor.
They’ll make you comfortable
as you walk toward the door.

It’s a comfortable room
with comfortable chairs.
Lights dimmed softly,
we sit and stare.

You can’t hear us,
or so we’ve been told.
Gently we stroke your brow,
your hands are a little cold.

We make small talk,
mostly we sit.
Alone in our thoughts,
you in the midst.

Doc says shouldn’t be long
though that’s not a fact.
We wait for a sign
that begins the final act.

We hope you felt our love
in these final hours.
The prayers we said,
to that vase with the flowers.

I know you’re ready to go.
I know your time is near.
Your love’s been calling
these last ten years.
 
She’s waiting for you
to come back home.
To take you in her arms
so you’ll never be alone.

Daniel 1/11/16
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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March 3, 2018 at 7:55 PM
Sadly, I think a lot of us know what this is like, but I'm glad you captured it so well. My favorite line is, "the prayers we said, to the vase with flowers," but there are many good ones here.
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