WISHING FOR DEATH--award winner

WISHING FOR DEATH


As I lie and watch the clock
Softly ticking seconds,
I feel that with every tick
It constantly beckons.

It tells me my time is up
And I am not needed.
For children I don’t matter;
By wife I’m not heeded.

It’s not that they hate me but
I am so bed-ridden.
I just can’t move by myself,
Paralysis stricken.

I can only mumble words,
I cannot see clearly.
In the words of my doctors
I’m clouded mentally.

In such a pathetic state,
I wish death arrives soon.
My going, in fact, will be
For everyone a boon.



* Rhyme, abcb; syllabic pattern, 7-6-7-6
*Awarded third place in the ""Like a Song" Poetry Contest" , "Like a Song" Poetry Contest”, Round 20, hosted by Revelry- inspiration needed , October 2008. The prompt: The poem should have the line—“I sit alone and watch the clock”. (The poem was later revised.)


M C Gupta
12 October 2008