Let Me Leave, Get Me Out

• Ayla Gerrans, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2013

It’s not allowed, it’s not permitted But that was known, since before I was admitted. The disease kills me slowly, painfully. These tubes and needles flow from me aimlessly, While that hateful machine continues to beep. Let Me Leave, Get Me Out

They say it’s inhumane, But they know nothing of this God forsaken pain. Take away my food and water, starve me. At least I will be closer to my plight, my plea. See through my eyes, feel my pain, See the darkness that surrounds me, I have nothing to gain. Let Me Leave, Get Me Out

My hands are like skeletons, all bony and weak, It’s been like this for years, I can’t even speak. My grandchildren have seen only this horror film that’s me, No smile, no colour, these fragile bones know nothing of glee. Now life is pointless. Now life is painful. I am a burden, let me sleep, My family loves me, but can only weep. Let Me Leave, Get Me Out

I knock on the door, the door that is death. The door is heavy and rusty and old, Made from steel and bolted shut. I ring the bell, and knock again Pleading to escape this dead end. I know in my heart that it will not be so, Pleading and hoping and praying. But death’s door is closed. Please let me out, I’m begging, let me leave.