Going Out Now

I look at her, lying in her bed.
There's no discernible cause for alarm.

Blood sugar controlled,
Blood pressure in the normal to high range.
Respiration rate and oxygen levels enviable,
No indication of an illness.

Loved ones calling and caring.
Nurses and doctors doing their best..

Defiant, stubborn, to the end.
She can't say it but it becomes clear.
Is there a reason for going on?
I've known her a long time.

Dementia, her family suffers from it.
It is beginning now.

And she may not want to stay for it.