“I’m tired,” he smiles weakly,

And I watch as he lies back on the sofa,

Pulling the blanket up under his chin.

Within moments, he is asleep,

Leaving me to ponder his life in silence…

The life of a man who had once been so strong. 

It saddens me to watch him deteriorate so quickly,

As it does all those who love him,

And I try to keep up a good front. 

Although he continues to waste away,

He remains forever positive –

But perhaps that is a front of his own.

I begin to contemplate my own life,

And at the risk of sounding morbid,

Wonder how and when it might end. 

Will I be ready? 

Will there be many regrets? 

Will I be strong for my children and family, as he?

Turning to look at him once more as he

Lies peacefully sleeping, I smile in spite of

The sadness I feel, knowing he taught me well.