That worn, heavy body in the bed,
with tubes connected to hidden orifices,
must be moved,
by two brisk staff members,
every two hours,
from one side to another,
must be cleaned and tended
as its processes forge steadily on,
must be powdered,
so as not to offend.
Eyes closed, she sleeps,
deeply in coma.
She is all body now,
all process,
as slowly the systems close down,
the breathing slows.
Soon, there will be
a final breath,
then a profound silence.
Stand back
and open a window,
for that is when her spirit
will fly free.
posted for Kim's Verse First at Poets United, where the prompt is: the Body.
A sad, truthful poem. The closing line fills one with hope. Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteThis is full of anguish and yet liberating at the same time. How do you do it, Sherry?
ReplyDeleteWe mustn't forget the opening. The body remains.
ReplyDeleteEnd of life rituals can be tricky, can't they, Sherry. I appreciate the honor and care given by those who attend in these days, hours, moments.
ReplyDeleteYour last stanza, flying free, ends this on just the right note.
How gently you move us from the sadness to the release.
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteHaving been a nurse in my younger days, I can relate very well to the sentiments in your poem. I recognise the need at a point in time, when the body simply lets go. Peace is the reward for the suffering soul.
Well written as usual Sherry, with a caring human touch...
Sherry, I always like to look across to your dear Pup, when I visit:)
Happy April,
Eileen:)
sad, yet beautiful - love the title; it drew me into your poem
ReplyDeleteAnd I've echoed the flying free, as it happens!
ReplyDeleteYou have really written 'end of life' as it is, Sherry. Painfully accurately. And, eventually it is the best thing for the spirit to fly free....
ReplyDeleteSad and yet another part of the journey! The wonder of soul...
ReplyDeleteWell Done!
I remember these days well, my days of caregiving that is. Oh my you have captured the last days well.
ReplyDeleteall process, argh. argh.
ReplyDeleteA wish fulfilled! We always wanted to fly.
ReplyDeleteReally well written, Sherry. And, very touching.
ReplyDeleteI remember my mom on the brink of her death but she is lucky, she held on and until now she is well ~ Hope you have a good weekend Sherry ~
ReplyDeleteI fear you have lived this, as have I. I used to sit and think, "Where have you gone," and imagine happy adventures...
ReplyDeleteSo devastating, with a perfect ending to make you feel better.
ReplyDelete