Poetry

Allies | Andrea Mims | Caroline Anderson | Carolyn Havenhill | Charisse Shumate | Christy Marie Camp | Darlene Bourk | Flozelle Woodmore | June Gravlee | Leeann Marie Nabors | Mary Shields | Nikki

Mary Shields

Mary wrote the following the day after the death of Charisse Shumate, an incarcerated survivor who passed away in August 2001.

May I Go Now?

May I go now? Do you say “Good-Bye” to pain-filled days and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best, an example I tried to be. So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I didn't want to go at first. I fought with all my might, but something seems to draw me now to warm and loving light.

I want to go, I really do, it's difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day, to give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and afraid because I see your tears. I'll not be far I promise that, and hope you'll always know that my sprit will always be close to you wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too, that's why it's so hard to say good-bye and end this life with you. So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me you'll let me go today.




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