Health Care, In relation to current health reform talk. Options

[ace]

In light of all the healh care controversy, thought it might be o.k. to go back to lines I wrote in the Teri Schivo situation....remember?

Health Care*

The death watch began
the Friday before Palm Sunday.
The highest authority washed its hands of it.
The mother sobbed as mother's
do...helpless;
a few tried to takle water in;
the centurions stopped them.
The doctors said it would not be paniful.
She didn't complain; she couldn't.
Some say towards the last she said
she wanted to live.
Authority said the sounds
were only involuntary moans.
It took so long.
I wonder how long that
seemingly smiling face
will haunt us.


* In memory of Teri Schivo.


ace

[Guest_Ishmael_*]

I also like this poem and I also have but one nit to pick. The word 'centurion' stuck out for me and took me out of the poem. It didn't seem to suit the setting or tone.

Otherwise, I think it was simple and effective. Actually, I do have one other little point. Looking again at the last three lines I wonder if you could rephrase it to include a reflection on how quickly she was forgotten, since the truth is her face didn't haunt many for long at all. That's just a suggestion from personal taste though.