sitting and watching
waveforms dance across a monitor
telling the nurse what she already knows
99 years, afterall, is an awful long time
look at that heart rate
now look at that pressure
a complicated routine
of just enough drugs
there's a lot that can be done
to prolong the life of the dying
but the family isn't there
when the agonal breathing begins
when it's two shallow, one gasp
five shallow, another long one
a phone call is made
a mind has apparently changed
keep him going a little longer
spend a few more thousand dollars
stretch it out several more hours
just until they can see for themselves
families seem to always let go
long after the patient already has
(07/01/07)
I was there. I heard it all. I hope never, ever to repeat the experience. You know it's coming; you're just hoping they can no longer feel anything. And afterwards, so glad it's finally over. Great writing about such a difficult thing.
You have written this in a way that touches how I feel about prolonging life, even if, unfortunately at a younger age....One never knows what can happen in a second. I thought so much about not wanting to be like this that I now have a legal DNR and POA....No one should have to stay as such if esentially they are already basically gone.... This is a great write.~~~~~ marci. :)
Ye4s this is the reason why I love this site. This is beautiful in its objective, almost cold, approach to its theme. Yet that is what is the heart of this poem(and, as memory serves - all your writing) . I don't go much for (apparent) carefree approach to grammer. But for this it works speldidly. Some thing that pronunciation is not important and hat the writer should portray themselves as free spirits. Invariably, what they produce is worthless junk. This poem, as with the works of yours that I recall, uses couplets and is held together well. If I just say that it is outstanding, for now.
Personal fear of death distorts judgement, but the preciousness of life makes it understandable. A complex issue handled well, within a skilfully written poem.
Darling! It is so excellent to see you posting again. Sorry... backtrack. I know this is something which has touched you deeply as circumstances or instances in your job often do. And for that I feel for you. But roll on my love (and phone me too - I left my diary at the flat) . Love you. xxxxxx
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Wow. This builds into a deadly second half and a stunning finale. Ez