John Giliberto

Last Moments of a Dying Man


It is clear that the end is near.
The day is dark, the wind blows,
but there appears to be no fear.
 
The old man sheds a single tear.
He tries not to let his emotion show,
suddenly his eyes are clear.
 
He knows the end is near.
He prepares himself to let go,
say goodbye to what is dear.
 
He tells his children not to fear.
He tells them all of what he knows,
tells them that the end is near.

His breath is loud, easy to hear.
He takes his last one then lets go;
the silence of death becomes all too clear.

He is laid on a solemn bier.
Everyone sings, sad and slow,
even though he did not fear,
the end which was so near.





[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2011 EDITION]


Copyright © 2002-2010 Student Publishing Program (SPP). Poetry and prose © 2002-2010 by individual authors. Reprinted with permission.