Hospice

An acquaintance of mine
(More the friend of a friend)
Was just told that her life
May be nearing its end.

She is ready for hospice,
Her doctor suggested;
She cannot go home,
Which is what she requested.

Her husband bailed out
When she first became sick,
Taking up with a lover
He found rather quick.

But perhaps I’m unfair –
Maybe illness aside,
He just fell out of love
Or what she could provide.

Still, right now she’s alone
At the end of her days,
Though her friends rally ‘round
In restorative ways.

It’s so awful to hear
Of a person you’ve known
Who will soon be laid out
With her name on a stone.

It’s a jarring reminder
Of what we deny
That as time marches on,
We will all get to die.