Unwillingly exposed I have been

Neglected in the lonely shore of my illness

Forced without will to trust you

Stranger among strangers

To surrender my hidden weakness and wells,

The memory of every loved one,

My own dignity and existence.

Instead of just looking away

Come closer and talk to me as a friend.

Fear of death is rough and arcane

But below these imprisoning machines

My heart beats, my mind thinks

And my soul still feels.

You might believe to be skillful is the art

But hiding behind an icy talent it is not,

Do not forget that I have been father, brother

Son, husband, and lover and my world is so far away

That this plea is just for a touch of fraternity.

If I am doomed and shall die now,

Embrace my spirit, even if it hurts you

Cover my broken and naked body with respect,

If you can patiently relieve my pain and anguish

Spare me also from a long-lasting agony

Because my dignity is reduced to ashes if you don’t.

Receive my silent plea without arrogance

Because the gift of life does not belong to any man

But my humble gratefulness will be for that one

Who was warm and human in this fateful hour.

Keko