Relinquish

Always there is one more effort possible,

another round of chemotherapy, another minute

of mechanical ventilation and chest compressions,

or a call for the ambulance one more time.

The witness to death must always resolve to turn

away. The act of letting go creates a sense

of having been complicit with death, of condoning it,

of being accessory to something shameful.

The witness to death must turn with intention

which burns with guilt for participation

in the transubstantiation of life into mere refuse,

guilt for knowing relief, or anger at the deceased,

or at God. The turning away spreads a cloak of pain.

Relinquishment is a rare and costly gift.

Stiff Hand