Poetry by Charlie Gould

THE CROWD

My children gather 'round me now,
In the twilight of my days.
The rampant cells are uncontrolled,
And, so, my offspring stay.

If they only knew how much joy,
They've brought me all these years,
I think they'd smile while holding hands,
Instead of sharing tears.

If only I could tell them that,
My life's work would be done.
No more tubes and bags and masks!

I'd just drift up to the sun.

--Charlie Gould*

*"Works and plays well with others, and does not eat his young."