No Right Words For the Dying

No Right Words For The Dying

When my brother
Fifty-seven
Terminal with kidney C
Was dying slowly
All he asked-
"Just be with me."

To a dying friend
No right words
Can convey
Comfort
For one facing the end
Cannot afford
To hear words...
That may
Distort.

Impossibilities
Erase all trace of Hope
His life is empty
Joy will cease
As his mind
Gropes.

Silence,
Being there -
Is all he really needs.
Death is near,
A Truth
That breeds
The fruit
Of Prayer
And
His Fear
Turns
To Peace.



In memory of my brother, Robert Buhain,
November 18, 1951-March 15, 2009



Photo Credits:

Reviews

[Annie Wilthew]

This brought tears to my eyes. It made my stomach clench as he slowly faded...
I have always tried to grasp for the right words which you have so purely spoken.
Deep write.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you Annie

[Marie Anzalone]

The art of presence, and its importance, cannot be overstated. Thank you for writing, thank you, Mary, for sharing.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you Marie Anzalone.

[Mary]

I too, have lost a brother to kidney failure, and your words beautifully stated ring true. Blessings for our memories.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you so much Mary, my brother died in sleep, he had no pain. That was what I prayed for.

[Marie]

You are right. Being there is sometimes all yu can doo.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thanks Marie.