Sara Johnson’s Final Year

Young Sara Johnson was just 24,

When dear death knocked at her door.

She was not ready to leave this great earth,

to be part of the cycle of death and birth.

“I want to live,” to death she decreed.

Death was interested, so he agreed.

He gave her a gift of only one year.

“Thank you so much,” she said, eyes full of tears.

She had a full year from January to December.

She needed to make it one to remember.

January was cold and sad and dreary.

She didn’t know how to make this year cheery.

So she moved back in with mom and dad.

They didn’t understand why their daughter was sad.

They told her “you’re in law school, a real success”

What she was feeling, they couldn’t guess.

Her life had been books, struggle, and study.

She had no fun, no romance, no buddies.

She quit law school and decided to travel this earth.

Weeks of dancing and drinking filled her with mirth.

February came and she still wasn’t happy.

She grew restless, on edge, and frankly quite snappy.

She had no responsibilities, life was all fun.

It wasn’t enough, she needed things to get done.

In March she made sure to visit family and friends

She gave gifts, had fun, and made her amends.

In April, she caught up with Jamie, a peer.

They hit it off over some beers.

In May she and Jamie turned from friends into lovers.

They spent many nights together under the covers.

In June she got started on that book she wanted to write.

To her surprise writing filled her with wonder and delight.

Afterward, in the dark moments, she started writing letters.

When she left, she wanted to leave things better.

These letters she sealed and hid far away.

She hoped her family would find them on her parting day.

In July, she worked at shelters and soup kitchens,

Doing everything she could to pitch in.

In August she enjoyed her last days of summer.

She went to the beach, attended concerts, and befriended a drummer.

In September, the leaves began to change color and fall.

She knew she didn’t have enough time left for it all.

That month was quiet and she was alone.

She started reading up on the things that she hadn't known.

Come October she once again was with her mates.

She drank and ignored her impending fate.

November was a time of friends, family, and laughter.

She did her best to ignore what would come after.

In December she became hyper-aware of her time

She was going to die soon, still in her prime.

Every moment became something to remember,

Until the 31st of that fateful December.

She tried to throw a party, so death couldn't get her alone,

But Death only took her into his own home.

“Your time has come, I hope you’re ready,” he said.

She took a deep breath and nodded her head.

“Thank you for your gift of an additional year,”

It’s the first year I lived without expectations or fears.”

Death stared at her, his face calm and stern.

“Looks like you humans can actually learn.”

With that comment, he put his hand on her heart.

And with that, Sara Johnson began to depart.