The Old Lady

The old lady sat quietly 

waiting for her ride to the doctor's office.  

She lived alone in a small trailer house 

her husband having died some years back.  

Her only child, a daughter, 

lived some thousand miles away 

and could not help.  

I have seen many such in recent years.  
I have seen the loneliness in their eyes 

and their hurt as they painfully climbed into the car.  

They know as I do that their life is nearing an end 

yet they struggle to stay just a bit longer.  

For what, I ask, for no one really cares.  

And those few who might are strangers 

who, like me, offer a hand only occasionally 

as time and limited capacity allow.  

There in not much for these old ladies 

except failing health and eyes no longer able to read.  

Most have only the tube to keep them company 

with little hope for anything more.  

It is a lonely way to spend, and end, one's life.  

I feel sorry for these old ladies 

but I do not know what to do.  

There are so many.  

And, I just don't know what to do.  q