From The Hospital Bed Poem by Namita Rani Panda

Lying on the hospital bed
as if half dead
amidst syringes and stethoscope
and also heaps of barren hopes
I wait anxiously for the final night fall,
the final call
when the clock's tireless ticking
reminds me ‘time is slipping',
I wait anxiously for the fulfilment of my last wish
Can you prepare for me this special dish?

Take the bowl of forgiveness
Pour a cup of kindness,
Add a drop of acceptance for essence,
A tea spoonful of sympathy,
A pinch of empathy,
Pour half a cup of love
and to knead a soft sweet dough
add gratitude as per taste,
stir patiently with no haste,
bake it till twelve in the oven of your heart,
And when it turns golden like the rising sun
serve me garnishing with your care and concern
that I will relish with a great satisfaction
and sleep my final sleep with the dream of a bright morn!
Won't you bring me the special bread
and keep my last request from the hospital bed?