May I Die

May I die? He asked of Life
just this,
but Life denied him.

Please let me die. He begged of Life,
just this,
but Life denied him.

I am ready, he pleaded.
You have been good to me, he cajoled.
All I ask is just this, he entreated,
but Life denied him.

I need to die, he commanded angrily.
My family is suffering.
Just this I ask for them,
but Life denied him.

Is there nothing I can do to convince you?
He spoke from resignation.
Just this, Life said,
And she embraced him.

"Island" Photograph by Lottie Williams