As Death Approaches

As Death Approaches

By Susan Deborah King

I can't believe I'm laughing!

I'd have sworn I'd be shaking or sniveling.

And I sure didn't expect a limousine.

I've never been in a limousine.

No biggy.

I've had better than fame.

Who needs the pressure?

As for fortune, I'm filthy.

That's why I'm laughing.

I've had so much love:the giving, the getting.

It's shameful.

It's embarrassing.

And it's too late.

No one can take it away!

And I've had the pain to help me appreciate it.

Thank God for the pain!

Easy for me to say now that I'm going!

But no, seriously,

the kicks in the teeth,

the gut,

the rugs pulled out,

slammed doors,

setbacks,

snubs.

Without them, I'd never have recognized Love,

bedraggled, plain eyes shining,happy to see me.

Do I want more?

Of course I want more!

I always want more of everything:

money,

hugs,

lovemaking,

art,

butter,

woods,

flowers,

the sea,

M&Ms,

chips,

tops,

bottoms,

trips

— I did give up drinking

—time, sure,

and yes,

I'd like to see my grandchildren,

if there are any.

I'd like to see my books

but more has never been good for me anyway.

Enough

— that's what I've always needed to learn,

and is there a better way?

So this laughterI had to work up to

through so many tears,

it just keeps coming like a fountain,

a spray.

Let it light on your refreshment,

benediction, as I'm driven away.