Happy Ending Poem by Clyde King

The tremors began about
eight years ago you said
yes they did I say to my
wife as she waits impatiently
for me to die I'm a burden to
you I say and you said no
not at all but we know better

Your shaking is getting worse
maybe we should have Dr. Grant
increase your carbadopa and
levodopa you say and I replied
yes maybe I'd improve
for awhile but they always get
worse you say I know it's a
neurodegenerative disorder
and I can see in your eyes
the disgusting bug I've
turned into you say
your delusions are getting worse
that worries me

I say don't worry
I'll be gone soon
you say don't talk like that
I say who cares you don't
you'd rather I were gone
so you could get on
with your life so I've
decided that I'll stop
eating and drinking
and in seven days
you'll have a happy ending.

Dec.2020