First the Joy
 
First the joy of running goes
Then the running itself.
First the joy of walking goes
Then the waling.
Then the joy of music to just the rhythm to
Silence.
 
Only the joy of being held is left.
But no one holds old people.
They hold children and lovers
And maybe dogs and cats.
But only a hug – if you’re lucky
As they come and as they go.
And there’s no joy in their going.
So little joy left.
So little time left.
Don’t go.
 
Goodbye.
 
by Kathleen Campbell, Ph.D.
Department of Surgery