how many of us will come to this
the comatose body just lying there
festooned with tubes and pads
and wires all giving terminal care
he looks so peaceful
the most relaxed for years
and they say keep talking
because he can still hear
but he's not moving
just steady firm breath
only the machines
staving off death
and really I know
there in my head
the body survives
the brain is dead
and they've strived so hard
tried all they know
but very soon now
they must let him go
inside I'm crying
but my mask mustn't slip
for our generation was taught
the role of the stiff upper lip
this is my brother
and I know it's now right
to let him peacefully slip into
deaths long dreamless night
