The old lady shouted "Help me, please help me"

Sitting in her chair she was

wrapped in multicoloured shawl

refusing to elaborate

 

She couldn't see and couldn't hear

Refused to have her hearing help

Continued shouting "Help me help me"

"Won't somebody help me please"

 

Yet every time I tried to help her

Shouts vociferous and rude

Decrying all that I might do

Kept her control of life

 

The caring carer came and cared

By soothing - shushing - holding hand

She knew the way to give what help

That I could never give

 

I checked and watered Mother's plants

Agreed - a cup of tea for both

Might settle she - refusing help

At least from me

 

I sat and tried to bring her back

But Mother's gone away from me

Far further than she's always been

I leave defeated

-

What is this problem born of age

Distressing to a child that was

That child of distant infancy

Dependence trained

 

Old age is - either dying quick

Or failing fast - or failing slow

Yet still the person is the same

But more the same than once

 

We all are born - we all will die

Our legs or heart will - failing - kill

Inside the brain the death is cruel

When death won't come

 

So must we kill to help them out

Or must we leave it all to fate

And who has need and who has right 

To play with death