Shallow yet raspy breath Filled the living room, Silent otherwise. From afar I looked, Scared that her cancer might creep From her and into my breaking heart, Knowing that time was short, Like her breathing. Never so hopeless, I looked onward, From the corner of another room, Cowaring almost, From behind the wall, Safe from the pain in her eyes, Pain that begged for release, Bones aching in an illness So cruel, so unkind. In her restless sleep she called out Names, places, memories, Like life was playing back her very own movie. Between laughs she moved to find comfort, The evil sinking so deep Into her bones that the pain was obvious, Even from my sheltered stance across the room. Hours passed, some slow, like sap, Others as fast as the wind, I watching still, from afar, The color of her skin begin to pale To a close, Breath lighter and lighter, The creaking metal of the hospital bed Neath her shifting weight In every effort to find comfort. And finally, she rose To fall upon the carpet, Pain in her sobs, I running to her side, Her head neath my lips, One last kiss, Grasping hands in a deperate plea To convey her final goodbye. And as she took her final breath, Like a sigh of relief, Her clutching hand went limp, Her head hung in finale, I embracing her like I couldn't All the months before, Denial. Gone, In my arms, Eyes glazed, Body malaise, My heart so broken My eyes could not cry. In a heartache I had never known I hugged her body, Unable to say goodbye, Staring at her to find acceptance That only time could bring me.
Reason for writing:
For Noni Belle Harmon
Birth sign: Aries
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