Willful Living
years of pain
sometimes unbearable
terminal illness progresses
your future – always in God’s hands
abilities slip away swiftly
no longer able to care for yourself
friends and family create distance
but my Living Will brings comfort
comatose patients can linger for years
life-pumping feeding tubes and respirators
false hope instilled in loved ones
watching and praying for a miracle
no machines will keep my body alive
I’ll not go out this way
as my “Rage Against the Dying of the Light” closes
my spirit’s eager to explore eternal life
no viewing or funeral
just a blessing of last rights
ashes scattered in the Atlantic sea
where cool waters carry memories both life and death
*Written February 16, 2012 for Catie’s “Free Verse” contest
Copyright © Carolyn Devonshire | Year Posted 2012
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