He Chose this Death

he felt alone, no one to call his own

everyone he’d ever loved was gone

life on this plane not worth the struggle

the pain of opening his eyes

staring at the ceiling in his room

his body foreign to his touch

legs that no longer functioned

arms weakened from lack of use

teeth lost in bedsheets

glasses wrapped in diapers

he turned away from food trays

meatloaf, corn, bread and butter

sickening to his palate

candy or cookies if offered

for a year, he ate almost nothing

family tried talking sense

he nodded agreement, lied

to placate, then asked for soda

forced to face a horrifying truth

he had no way to cope

he turned inward and shut down

despite all efforts from family

prayers of friends

he knew of only one answer

he chose this death