Cancer is taking my friend
Who lives in New Jersey;
He’s sticking it out to the end
And not asking, “Why me?”
His pain is so bad
That he pops pills every day
I find all this sad
But as a friend, what can I say?
Librium, valium, amatryptaline
Coffee and a vodka martini
Even something stronger: morphine.
He wishes a coffin to pull a Houdini
Yet not come back for an appearance
But just go away
He’s received heavenly clearance
To proceed to that day
Yet has all these plans to make
And work to finish
He’s asked I not be depressed for his sake
But I feel the needs to diminish
His pain and tell him all’s well.
On the phone he cried
Describing his pain
While his significant other can’t be pried
Away from the computer to share; it’s plain
To see he’s on his own for this journey
With me miles away and no help at all
Except my still, small voice bringing him eternity
So his suffering will end and there will be no pall
When he finally succumbs and I carry a part
Of the handle on his casket after the call
And five others assist me to place his heart
And soul where he wants to be buried
Among mountains on green grass that grows tall
And the air is thin and he will be married
To the soil from which he came and we six shall stall
Until he’s on the other side where he needs to be
Spending his time with father and God eternally.

© 2007 George E Thompson