'Life is a gift,' the placards say,
Opinion is riding high,
How dare you think you can give it back,
You don't have the right to die.
Who knows how long your life will be,
Or how long the stars will shine?
Six days, six months, or endless years,
You don't know the secrets of time.
Think of the life that would be erased,
The pool of memories dried,
A grandchild taking a tottering step,
The radiant smile of a bride.
Flickering candles on birthday cake,
The warmth of a partner's smile,
The rhythm of dance, a plaintive song,
Love the gift- and stay alive.
*
Respect my choice, I hear you say,
The decision is only mine,
I shall drift in peace to an endless sleep,
And I shall choose my moment in time.
You can hold my hand so I know you're there,
You can answer my parting call,
Give me your blessing and let me go,
That's the most special gift of all.
As for me, I'd want to be spared endless suffering and pain if I was dying.
And you?
New house and a sloping garden
Is there anyone who still thinks that Israel's actions in Gaza are justifiable?