A Promise Kept

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • 364 reads
10 comments
 

Benjamin wished 
that he hadn't kept
a promise he'd made
and felt totally inept.

His mum had been
a beautiful dancer
but now afflicted
by terminal cancer.

She had said to him
she couldn't resist
going on black runs
and ski off-piste.

Switzerland had been
the place she wanted
to revisit after so long
and was undaunted.

A sense of foreboding
prompted her to ask
her son to perform
another welcome task.

As Benjamin possessed
the power of attorney
he was to be with her
on her final journey.

That was the promise
on which he'd to swear,
a great responsibility
and a hard cross to bear.

Certificate PG
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Other Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by insertponceyfre... on

Nice IP response Luigi - that is a complicated promise to make if you're not sure about it

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Yes indeed, Claudine.  It is a controversial decision, hotly disputed not only in Parliament but also by various personalies.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by TJW on

I don't have a problem with suicide.  The aftermath is between the suicide and God.  I do think there should be more assistance so no one is reduced to blowing out their brains in solitude.  You're in depth.  Much obliged

V/R

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

A very interesting comment, TJW, and food for thought. The proponents of assisted suicide may argue that the individual concerned is not physically capable of committing such an act, Thank you for giving your views.

Best wishes.

 

Submitted by TJW on

I like your stamina and your reasonableness.  Too many want to prove themselves right and the "opposition" wrong.  Just be reasonable.  

V/R

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I agree. Many thanks for your response.

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

We have 'assisted' two dogs when they could no longer maintain life without pain and dignity. I could be argued that they had no choice, but I know what choice I'd make in similar circumstances.

Dougie Moody

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I hadn't considered that the situation might apply to suffering loved pets, but I can see the relevance. Thanks for pointing it out, Dougie.

Best, Luigi 

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

The representations and discussions in the House of Lords at present have highlighted very many dangers of allowing what can become not only a huge responsibility, but pressure and regrets and the whole uncertainty of the making of such decisions, and that is why it is unlawful — not being unkind, but knowing it can be a mistaken 'kindness', a slippery slope, and to the detriment of good end-of-life care which has been making such strides in our country.

There are very many issues. Everyone fears being dependant, but sloppy laws don't help. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Helo Rhiannon. No laws can be perfect There are always loopholes and pitfalls, but I hope that because they are debated in  the Commons and moderated by the House of Lords none are sloppy despite what Mr. Bumble's  opinion who said  "The law is an ass".
I am sure that due consideration will be given in this case, which is both emonotial and controversial. Apart from the legislation, there seems to be  a lot of clamour, pro and anti, by the population at large.