It Is Not Just Death I Fear Poem by Shalom Freedman

IT IS NOT JUST DEATH I FEAR

It is not just Death I fear
But the breakdown before it-
The loss of powers-
The tormented half- sleepless nights-
The wandering in mind
With ability to concentrate and work – lost -
The pain I give to others I love-
The dependency despite myself-
The weakness and the confusion-

It is not just Death I fear
But dying -
And the inevitable increased selfishness
That comes with it-
Focusing on what I once took for granted
Minor physical functions not working right
The endless small humiliations
And the increasing helplessness-

It is not just Death I fear
But dying
And the pains and humiliations that come with it.