Each month we will be featuring a guest writer and this month is Mary-Sue Searles. We have printed other poems by her Ancient Heart and Dreaming Of August Moon.

Your "death bed" is courage, each breath you lay claim To life, love, even death -- each a part, yet the same. The ending near, you prepare brother, three sons, Even send flowers on her birthday to your true one. Though frail of body, you still sound strong. "Death bed," named by fear, you've proven wrong. Courage shines through as you face fear By braving, with zest, each hour you're here. Your life teaches dying is only one face of this game you've played with such consummate grace. I cannot emulate your style, dear man, But I'll sing daily your song of life; with joy, that I can.

The author can be reached by email.

More guest writers can be found here.