Sense Sonnet - Acher

Did Not Convince

The patient was insisting on
Leaving the hospital. He knew
Staff had tried to impress upon
Him that his treatment was not through.
He had no clothes for being out.
But, no legal reason was there
To make him stay, whatever doubt.
He had the right to refuse care.
I walked with him to the front door,
Imploring him to change his mind.
"What are you risking your life for?"
I asked, "Are you a death wish kind?"

I think about what I had said.
He was found in a snowdrift, dead.