To Whom It May Concern
Yes, wouldn’t it be lovely
at the end of a life
to find myself
nestled in the comforts I once knew.
The list could be small.
Chocolate, of course.
The good stuff.
Beautiful food.
Surely there could be
at least
a few delicious meals to look forward to.
And …
perhaps,
a room with a view.
Looking down on a canopy of trees,
even better.
Okay, the view alone will do.
No television.
Enough of that blather.
Music.
Gift me with music.
Not elevator music.
Classical.
Jazz.
Rhythm and blues.
Play me some Billie,
spare me the news.
And, would you be kind enough
to surround me with books?
Even if I can
no longer read them.
Let me delight in the
feel
of those pages.
They once spoke companion.
Oh, and be sure I am dressed
in the comfort
of cotton.
My skin will want to be cradled in softness;
remember, it’s thin.
And, if you have a moment to spare,
do some research
on palliative care.
I’ll want that.
No gadgets.
No devices.
No burdensome interventions.
Help me embrace the good death.
To whom it may concern.
10 thoughts on “To Whom It May Concern”
“Classical.
Jazz.
Rhythm and blues.
Play me some Billie,
spare me the news.”
I may just have to print this out and hang it on my wall! Though feel free to play me some Nina, Ella, Minnie or Aretha as well. I am on a first name basis with all those gals. (And I’m totally allergic to the news.) 😉
Neena, you and I should be best friends. xxoo
“Help me embrace the good death.” Yes yes yes. Just like YOU help us embrace the good life, one moment at a time. This is so lovely. Thank you. xo
Kindred spirits, Sherry, for sure. One ‘pin prick’ of light at a time. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It means the world to me. xxoo
What beautiful and comforting words – make my heart sing!
Seeing your face here makes MY heart sing, Carina. Thank you. xxoo
The first time I read this I loved it! Every bit of it! And I still do. The dignity of a grace-filled death does cross my mind often. As a woman without children I do have anxieties over aging and my care when I approach death. My husband may not be alive, my sister may not be alive to care for me in a dignified way. In every heart I am sure your poem resides. can I publish to my wall Sue Ann? <3
I have those same fears, Dawne, as I have no children and there is a very good chance that I will outlive my family members. (My grandmother lived to be 100!) I have even looked into elder care organizations where you hire someone to be your advocate as you age. Yes, already planning, that’s me. And yes, please feel free to publish this poem on your wall. I would be honored. xxoo
So Beautiful. I’m captivated. by the lightness and directness…..in what is such a poignant moment for each of us to embrace… our humanity. and this poem helps communicate what is desired without being heavy. you are leading Sue Ann. I’m thankful you are bringing these conversations to the blog. for me. for my parents. for our loved ones.
and yes…. of course, books and a view. pleasure. surrounded by pleasure.
Thank you for your kind words, Shirley and for witnessing me so fully here. You give me the courage to keep growing this blog in the direction it wants to take. xxoo