What does one do in these bad days, my mind that of an old woman, I will clear my soul if I can. It is in old age that we try to be kind, in younger days we walk through life without worry and blind.
Youth to old age, life passionate and wild, yet within time the aged returns to the days of a child.
I do not ask from my bed of death to be free, I do ask that my God let me die in dignity.
I ask that death allow me to find the freedom that my life denied; that I am strong when my family is at my side.
Spare me of the whisperings of a crowded room, that there be ceremonious air and not one that is gloom.
I have lived without glory or fame; no one will remember my name. No one knows when I am bound for death, only God knows when I will take my last breath.
While the world around me in silence lies, move me outside so I can see sunshine once more before I die. Let it bathe me in the wonder that I was born, across my face its beauty spread, like the sun I ask only for your smiles of love when I am dead.
I pray for no sickroom, no mortal strife, no turmoil for a little breath, let it be a natural passing, no struggling with death. Let me go composed, fearless, mind clear, willing to let my spirit go somewhere else to wait for everyone that to me is so dear.
copyright.annjohnsonmurphree.2013
ann johnson-murphree 
Beautiful. Lovely. So dear.
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Very well expressed.
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Dear Ann, I haven’t been walking lately and I bet you have been doing little yourself with this cold weather. I miss running into you when I walk with Lynn and the two dogs, Stella and Bosy. I enjoy your writings so much. It is the highlight of my day when I see there is a new posting from you. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. It brings me clarity to my often struggling thoughts. Bless you. Teri Chamberlain 608 843 3395 Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2014 16:54:50 +0000 To: terichamberlain@hotmail.com
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Thank you Teri, sent you an email. lv Ann
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I think no matter one’s age, this is a sentiment we can all very much relate to…
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infinite hope – reminds Victor Frankl
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Or…Henry James, “The Portrait of a Lady”. Carl, I Hope…you are warm wherever you are here in Wisconsin double digits below zero. Ann
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Beautifully stated Ann. I spent five years managing retirement facilities where I became like extended family to so many of our dear friends that ultimately lay in their bed cherishing their last moments on this earth in a restful state, within the home they so dearly loved…and embracing the life they had and awaiting a new journey in their existence. What you have shared here is so remarkably parallel with what so many desire in their few remaining days…and their passing.
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Thank you so much Don for your kind words, I hope to enjoy many, many years so that I may continue to write, publish and share my thoughts with my wonderful followers. I hope to keep a sharp mind that can share what I have and hope to learn. I look at age as another number, the journey that I am on is beginning to give me a clear sight of what was and what may come. A wonderful journey. Ann
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With infinite hope, as you say, where is the time or inclination to age? Very well expressed, Ann.
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