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September 22, 2023
Personal Stories | April 17, 2019 | Pat McLaughlin
Ottawa’s Pat McLaughlin shares an original poem, in which she reflects on her wishes for care at end of life.
Ode to my Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Dying with dignity
Should be my choice
So I will use my voice
To proclaim
While I am still in the game
That it would be a shame
If I became
ill or just got too old
Leaving my wishes untold
Letting my time of death unfold
Without being controlled
by Me.
So I will make a claim
My aim
Is to duly explain
What I want
While I can still speak
Before things get bleak
Using any technique
There is no mystique
My request is not unique
When my mind can not think
Or my body begins to shrink
I don’t want to sink
Into the brink
Without a link
to reality.
I don’t want to be fed
Or tied to a bed
Let it be said
Give me comfort instead
When I start to get dead
Let me vacate
Do Not Resuscitate.
My life has been great
Really first rate
Hope you relate
And don’t tolerate
Any debate
Or anyone who says Wait!
Let me go!
Pat McLaughlin. 08-02-19
Dying With Dignity Canada thanks Pat for sharing her poetry with us.
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