INDECISION

an impossible task

INDECISION

 

Jet black clouds hover

over her limp shoulders

shrouded by her closest family

pale, morose faces look down

 

This is to be her judgement

and hers alone

the most dreadful one

she would attempt

she fails to speak

as it causes copious tears

to flood her being

 

She gazes at him

for short spurts, but too brutal for more

he breathes

but not on his own

flawless rhythm of machines disturbs silence

save an occasional sob

 

She has been advised

that his life, if he lives, would be unfathomable

 

Her brain deems to halt the inevitable

her soul broods the negative

indecision is the torment of life

she screams out “it’s like murder”

 

At once, she ascends like a mad witch

and yanks all the leads to multiple machines

inclusive of the one that sustains his breath

 

Author's Note

This is based on a true story, except for the end.

Reviews

[Miss Sharon]

Wowser! This one really packs a punch my friend. Well written. ~Sharon

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for reviewing Sharon, much appreciated
Best, B

[Lisasview]

Hi Betty,
This is the very reason we must live life to the fullest...because in the end we are alone..sad as that thought is..
All of us have a comment and view about this...
I wrote my poem Mothers Letters with that thought in mind... I remember saying something about the birds beckon me to come but I am not ready... or something like that...and then something about bring me apples to peel... the thought behind those lines was that in the end we are with ourselves...and hopefully we have good memories to end with.
Lisa, missing my parents

[Betty Hermelee]

Very True and thanks for the review!!!
Best, B

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome,
Lisa, early morning here in already hot Spain

[Betty Hermelee]

It's hot here too, typical summer in the B.R mountains...

[Lisasview]

We have not been in Spain for very long.... Everyone here is saying that this is the hottest summer they can remember.

[Betty Hermelee]

so sorry, but I'm worried cause we're going to Azores early Sep and now it's mid 90's..ouch!

[Lisasview]

Oh gosh, 90's... well, I think it was that today here...
and, I was gardening... boy was it hot!!
Lisa, now in air conditioning..

[William Michael Reeves]

I was wondering as I scrolled down, then your notes answered my question. And provided relief to know the end was fiction. I really like your use of the English language in this poem. Powerful words on a powerful subject. Not only do we die alone with all around us, those around us have to make those decisions, in the end, alone. Death can be crowded in its loneliness. Strong, powerful poem Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your fine review; in the end it's a lonely world.
Best, B

[Cherrie Palmer]

A final actor love. The pain and sorrow is palatable.
And
The reader can only whisper "may this never be me".

[Betty Hermelee]

A sorrowful scene and decision....nor me!
Thanks for your review!
Best, B

[Patricia]

It is a tough decision for family and once on very difficult to get them off a vent. As a nurse for vent patients it is excruciating for the family and I would never want to be on one. Great writing on a great subject for thought.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my sweet poet friend
hugs, B

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Betty,

A tough spot to be in for all parties involved, and definitely would be a tough decision to make ... Very thought provoking write ...

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Marvin!

[W. Barrett Munn]

There is a universality to pain like this. I like that you didn't specify the who or what but concentrated solely on the feeling. Quite powerful.
W

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a thoughtful review!

[W. Barrett Munn]

One tiny suggestion: in line 4 I believe it will read better without the comma after pale.
The syntax in line 3 is a complete thought and the comma makes it seem “pale” relates to line 3 instead of beginning a new clause.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!

[Dave Brown]

very difficult times

[Betty Hermelee]

thanks for reading my friend!
BESTB