My Last Day Poem by Richard Lackman

Today I learned my cancer diagnosis
And obviously I was stunned to hear
The implications of my poor prognosis
As I filled with anxiety and fear

How is it now that at so young an age
My life should suddenly come to an end
Am I mature enough to reach the stage
Where life can take so tortuous a bend

This morning all my worries were financial
Could I afford a new car; pay the bills
It now all seems so very unsubstantial
Compared to having this disease that kills

I cannot die right now, I've things to do
I need to raise my children and what's more
My obligations are long overdue
I cannot pass through any final door

But suddenly I have to stop ignoring
The transient state of what seemed so secure
Best not to waste my energy abhorring
This illness which seems not to have a cure

I feel so all alone and isolated
Yet I am not the first to wonder why
My insight into life was so belated
But that itself is no reason to cry

So as I say goodbye to those I know
My consciousness is quickly slipping by
My thoughts and dreams and cares begin to slow
As peacefully I drift and then I die