Lord, spare the dying

From lingering too long

While the people who love them

Keep endless hours, sleepless, restless

Sitting, ragged, by their bed.

Lord, spare the dying

From the pain of witnessing

The weight of loss reflected

In the eyes of the people who gather ‘round

Singing, crying, grieving

Even before they pass.

Lord, spare the dying

From the messiness of the body

As it slowly drifts

Into the next world,

As it leaves behind the evidence

Of a life that used to inhabit it.

Lord, spare the dying

From the fear of the afterward

And from the wonderings

That might convince them they haven’t done enough

and might not be at peace.

Lord, spare the dying

From all regrets, guilt and shame

And give them mercy, give them peace.