Death has no wait, my neighbor is dying.

Friendship

Death has no wait, my neighbor is dying

He only has a week or two,
Or days, if time is unkind.
The cancer gnaws away his frame,
Yet leaves his grace behind.

 

Still, every morning round the block,
He walks his faithful hound,
Though every day the steps grow short,
And heavier on the ground.

 

A gentle soul, a steadfast friend,
He makes the effort still—
To pause beside my porch and wave,
To climb the neighbor's hill.

 

He drops by every other day
While I sip morning brew,
To pass the time and say hello,
As honest neighbors do.

 

I watch him go, I watch him fade,
With coffee growing cold,
And watch a quiet, heavy grief
Begin to take its hold.

 

He walks with death, yet walks with life,
So steady, brave, and true—
It breaks my heart to know the day
He won’t come walking through.

Comments +

Comments10

  • sorenbarrett

    A sad poem of a man that to a point knows his hour. Well written it speaks of a friend that should not end so soon. I can not help but think that we all walk with death but expect it to be far away. But we never know. Nicely written with good rhyme and meter it tells its story well.

  • Paul Bell

    Cancer, still our biggest killer.
    There is a dignity in this man.
    Things still need doing, and walking the dog is one of them.
    Hope he had a tremendous life.

  • orchidee

    A poignant write F. What will become of the dog? We may say or think: 'This is not real; it's not happening, or won't happen'.

  • RSM0812

    A graceful write about loving your neighbour through sickness. The rhyming is perfect and tells a great story. Thouroughly enjoyed Friendship.

  • arqios

    A very sobering situation and sublime read. 👍🏻🕊️

  • Tristan Robert Lange

    Oh, Friendship, this broke my heart. I'm so sorry you're having to say goodbye to someone who's clearly become such an important part of your life. Sending you both much love and prayers. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

  • Fränz Müller

    Death eyes all of us, eventually. What a lovely tribute to your neighbor!

  • mylastwrites

    Watching someone slowly fade away can be heart wrenching. Something I’ve done two many times lately. This hit so close to home it hurt. Beautiful tribute to a dying person. Thank you for sharing.

  • Thomas W Case

    Powerful work.

  • cully45

    A wonderful homage to their friend who is obviously a very brave person.



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