HELL

The first thing one notices
is her lovely, sweet smile.
One would never guess;
she's been to Hell.

1945; sixteen years old.
Hiroshima; Nagasaki.
Losing her home; her town;
her father; three brothers.

Her eyes filled with tears
while telling her story,
then the subject quickly changed
to a much easier topic;
         her dying.

She wants no treatment.
She's tired of doctors; the hospital.
Telling those around her,
"I just want to die peacefully
         in my own home".

If she were angry, we'd understand.
If she were bitter, we'd get that too.
But, Hell has made her wiser;
so much wiser than us all.

Insightful;
          hopeful;
                   forgiving;
She's been to Hell.