My Dying Patient

My Dying Patient



I can hear your breathing before I enter the room.
Loving family surrounds you with feelings of doom.
I touch your hand feeling the clammy sweat there
The preacher has come to share your last prayer.
Comforting measures is all that's left to give you
I wipe your face, and clean your mouth too.
Gasping each time for the breath you seek
I feel your pulse so thready and weak
Your respirations shallow and so very rapid
Conversation at this point is rather vapid.
Your lips and fingertips are turning blue
Your family is left not knowing what to do.
The mottling is moving up your feet and legs
More pain medicine given, for your look that begs.
Your eyes are slowly starting to fix into a stare,
You're at peace knowing your family does care.
Your blood pressure at this time is unattainable
Sometimes life is just so unexplainable
You sigh taking your last breath
As you gently settle into death.




Tammy 3/12/05