just inside the door he gasps for air laboring, I think, not to hold on but to let go his heaving, quickened shortness of breath disheartening each movement a moment in pain his wizened face and body recognizable but so very hard to witness the family is stronger than me
just inside the door his mother and daughter holding his hands to give him whatever peace they can not a comforting for themselves, but for him one he can sense and feel and know
just outside the door we wait with other waiters groups of other families congregating visiting and supporting loved ones but mostly waiting as death seems not impatient
just outside the door people are talking and laughing little children are playing life goes on as we hold back the tears
just inside the door there is no hope for recovery his cancer incurable his suffering long
just inside the door a drug induced peace a restlessness as hearts are kept waiting to bid a final farewell