Slowly Burning Away 

An old Woman sat in a hospital bed. 

That is all she could do because 

She was very ill. 

The doctors would bring her things. 

Things like food, water, and flowers from

Her grandchildren. 

She was extremely happy when one 

Of her grandkids came to visit;

It was her favorite day. 

Even though the old Woman couldn’t 

Remember who they were anymore;

She loved talking to them. 

She would listen to her grandkid’s stories 

For a while, then be sad and confused when 

They left. 

Most of the time she would be left alone 

In her small, smelling of sanitizer room, 

with the exception of a few doctor visits. 

On a cold day in March, a few doctors 

Came into the old Woman's room and behind 

Them were her family. One of them holding 

A cake, for the old Woman's birthday. 

There were a lot of balloons, cake, 

Gifts, and a lot of card games 

Played. 

The old Woman didn’t do much though,

She just sat in a chair with no emotion

Shown on her face. 

Soon the whole room 

Smelled of the slowly burning 

Candles being blown out. 

Then soon everyone said their 

Goodbyes to the old Woman, not 

Knowing that they wouldn’t get to 

Say them again. 

One day, the old Woman was stuck with 

Herself. All she could think about was 

How alone she was. Of how

Little her family actually visits. 

There was a light rain outside

Her window. It was her favorite type of 

Weather because it was very calming. 

Then the light rain grew quieter and 

Quieter. Until it was almost nonexistent 

To the old Woman. In the next moment 

She was gone. 

When the family came, a few hours

Later there was still a faint rain outside. 

Barely audible. 

They all sat there. They all could 

Still smell her fresh lemon

Fragrance. Still remember her 

Voice. Still thinking of all the great

Memories. 

They all sat in remembrance. In

Silence. All listening to the light rain 

The old Woman loved, thinking of her.