The Cause of Death

Excerpt

He died,

and I do not know

(nor ever will)

the cause of death.

A frail heart,

too soon grown tired?

Just yesterday he smiled; a smile abruptly gone . . .

His care was in my hands;

And so I bear the consequences,

the gnawing doubt

forever unresolved:

did I allow

or (worse)

bring on

this death?

Or was it serendipity,

mere chance occasion?

Some would call it blessing,

a quick, merciful end

for one whose time has come.

Thus I console myself:

the best death is swift and painless.

Why then do I see myself

carelessly cutting the