Death Wish

My brother died today, It was no surprise. He was so ill for so much time That his death was pre-announced, As all deaths are The moment we are born.

I am an old man And I have seen friends go So often that I sometimes say, Not quite in jest, That everyone I know is dead.

Dead friends, dead family.

I have my own concerns And my own demands. I want to die in bed, My own bed, Like one who partied in the night, Awoke at dawn to say he was all right And was cold by morning.

Or another who kissed his wife good-bye And thanked her for a life of love And told her, yes, this is good-bye And went so softly into that good night.

Or another, who wandered from his bed, And walked off the earth So silently no one heard his final breath Until his brow was seen in peace.

If I could plan my death I’d do it in this way.

I cling to life, But I know my grasp is weak. I have no vain illusions And simply will let go.

I want to go Thus quietly, and Hopefully, at night.

Death should be Some other’s Break of day.