PSALM OF THE HOSPICE
Cicely Saunders often spoke about why the hospice is so important. The experience of being able to "die with dignity" is not too common in a society where death is the ultimate taboo. Perhaps we should all talk about it, and our feelings about it, more often?
- What's happening to me, God, with this onset of pain:
why are you bringing more suffering on me?
- It can't be true that you've let me down:
nor fair for you to want to punish me -
- in me there's something that's no part of me:
eating me up while I cannot control it.
- Will someone explain and say what's going on:
talk to me, help me to know what is happening?
- Is this the end? Where can I get help:
does anyone care that it's all so horrible?
- God, let me weep with you by day:
sustain me with tears through the hours of the night.
- I need life packed up and ready to go:
give me energy and time to work through the past.
- From those I have wronged I need forgiveness:
those I love best can give me support.
- I'd like not to die insignificantly:
but how can I manage my own destiny?
- Still there's the pain, although it's controlled:
I need your strength for the struggle ahead.
- Help me be able to accept my self:
then I'll be at peace with you and with others.
- Just a few more people I need for a while:
one relative's enough before I'm alone.
- Let there be someone beside me now:
I cannot speak but I can hear and understand.
- Now at the last all is done:
it is late, and I am ready.
- So long as you are with me, that is all:
now I can let go and let God.
- Into your hands I commend my life:
for you will redeem me and be merciful.