My Sister Is Dying

My sister is dying

that we know so well,

some of us know

but how do you tell?

It’s not for gossip

that I wish to talk,

only for the love

and to relieve the shock.

She is so giving

and her favors are endless,

so why take her

it seems so very senseless.

Thought to be cancer

it’s the same old story,

so many are lost

in their prime and glory.

There’s a need to visit

say how sorry I am,

but that’s so empty

said to a dying woman.

The times were many

that a visit was due,

now the time is short

God what can I do?

The guilt is deep

that I feel right now,

not just these thoughts

but my neglect and how.

Sure there were times

when she seemed a pain,

but not with intent

not a thing to gain.

She was always so busy

an inspiration to us all,

never a moments waste

not a challenge too tall.

I want to help her

yet leave her the space,

to give her a path

to finish out her race.

We never said much

I want her to know,

I am her friend

and I love her so.

From time to time

we all have this trouble,

but how to proceed

pick through this life’s rubble.

There’s still one chance

to change grief to bliss,

I can only pray

that my friend reads this.

My sister is dying

that we know so well,

some of us know

but how do we tell.

Rewritten and dedicated to my

sister-in-law, Carol Fay Wallior

May you rest in peace with family

And Beth. Thank you for all the

laughs the four of us shared.

Gary R. Cramer

August 13, 2023