Self Stepping Aside Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Singly looking for ways to bring some hope and light
into other people's lives who are despairing, bereft
of joy or happiness.

Placing myself off to the side, trying to help them
have a purpose for living, even though they are now
truly dying for one reason or another.

Taking steps to ease their loneliness, pain, sorrow,
in small little ways that I can and are possible.

Just being with them, letting them talk about dying
and death, because they have a need to do this.

It helps them to talk and cry while they are able
to express it now.

Easing the burden a little of leaving their loved
ones behind as they enter heaven's gates at the end.