Dignity

Maybe I'll spend the rest of my life
in some bizarre version of sleep.
You could dress me up and brush my hair
and prop me up to watch T.V.

I'd have plenty of media sympathy,
and friends could come and visit me.
They'll all tell me funny stories,
and swear I was just smiling.

They could prop me up to be on T.V.
And put a tube in my throat to feed me.
And they'll all say, "Isn’t she pretty?"
I'll be their symbol unknowingly.

The whole world could philosophize
about whether I should live or die.
And all the Christians could make up lies
To make sure that I stay alive.

Maybe I'll spend the rest of my time
in some bizarre version of sleep.
They'll argue death and they'll argue life,
until one day, I am set free.