Just One Thing

When the time comes
to say one last thing,
sing one further song,
make one final choice,
how will it be?
On that last certain day
when so little is left—
what will you say?

Maybe you will have
run out of options on
the white bed bound with
respirator mask pulled
too tightly on tender skin.
Maybe you can’t remember
where you are but familiar
voices say your youngest
daughter is on her way
to see her father and you choose
to wander on a little longer.

Perhaps finally
you wish to speak
the dark secrets
that have cost so much.
Or your final words open
you to joy concealed
and now revealed.

But for now, this certain day
in the great rush of being,
in advance of the conclusion,
what is the one thing
you will choose to say,
to be, to sing?