The Choice

Why did you leave so suddenly
just when I thought you would stay?
Imagine my astonishment
at finding out the role I was to play

You were recovering so well
and then you woke wrenching in pain.
Something had gone horribly wrong.
It' was back to the hospital again.

They came to consult me on
likely impairments vs. risk of life.
Who was I to make the choice
I'm not a doctor; I was your wife.

I never aspired to have power
over the fate of my fellow man
surely not over life and death
I've no vast wisdom or acumen.

I did, however, have insight
You were my love and soul mate,
You would be miserable paralyzed
your spirit in a body you would hate.

I held your hand til you were gone.
Your face relaxed into a smile
I leaned and kissed you one last time
at peace for the first time in awhile.

MJC
Copyright October 2007

Micki Ann

She is not like the other little girls
White blonde hair and sea blue eyes
Perfect visage like a porcelain doll
Today her mood bright as a Texas sky

But sometimes it is gloomy and dark
Like a cold sleeting storm on the sea
Turns her thoughts to hopelessness
She wilts and crashes to her knees

She has a mental illness. A mood disorder
She sees the doctors. No secrets. Tells all.
She's on exhibition. The others stare at her.
How unfair and sad for one so small.

Her life will never be her own
Dependent on therapy and medication,
She has a formidable task ahead of her
Bouncing between depression and elation.

Who will be there when she comes up or down?

MJC
Copyright October 2007