Day by Day Slipping Away

You see me here,

my dear friend,

day by day,

slipping away.

I can’t walk without help.

I can’t breathe without a tank.

That tumor you see

growing on the side of my neck

gets bigger as we speak.

I look real bad and

I know you think I’m in pain.

But the morphine drips

keep me at ease.

I know you can’t hear me well

That damn thing grips my throat

trying to silence my voice

before it finishes me

for good.

My eyes blur a little

day by day

My ears fail me a little

day by day.

And I grow weaker

day by day.

And I know I slip in and out consciousness.

I...

(Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to put the fear in you)

I won’t try to leave just yet.

But to end this struggle

temps me.

And seeing how it tortures you

makes me wish

it was over.

But, despite what you see,

I’m at peace.

I’m not scared.

I’m not sad.

I’m not angry

that this is happening to me.

And you,

shouldn’t feel guilty

that it was me.

Not you

because I know

it’ll be over soon.

No more pain.

No more tears.

You see,

I saw it last night.

The face of my lord

and it was beautiful to see

The aura of eternity reached down to touch me.

And in the light that followed him

I saw Mom and Dad

Five and twenty years after they entered

this same light I saw.

I know what’s there for me.

When that day comes near.

And I’ll wait,

day by day

without fear.

As for you,

I know you don’t want

me to go.

I know you’d do anything

to save my soul.

But the only thing you can do

is to go on

and live.

And live a full, good life.

Move on,

find a wife,

start a family,

And live until

you know it’s your time

to leave.

Don’t fear;

we’ll meet again.

Go on and leave my side.

It’s okay.

Go on and leave my side

and live your life

without delay.

And know how it feels to live

day by day.

(Kevin 1969-2005)