Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Casting Off

Lines straining between dock and boat,
my heart aches to keep you tethered to my side of the shore.
Do not go where I cannot yet follow.
I am not ready.
My breathing heaves in heavy sobs.

Plastic tubes and wires lash you to this world,
your body tenses against the artificial rhythms
You are ready and I must learn to be.
Your breath mechanically forced in 
then out.

I can not change your destination,
cannot join you for the full journey.
I can only send you gently on your way.
We are ready.
I inhale memories,
wisdom,
peace....
exhale sighing,
each breath 
a breeze
to propel you
safely,
lovingly
to the other shore.



9 comments:

Craig said...

You are my favorite non-famous poet.

Poignant. . .

Tabor said...

This was such a tough read. My heart rose and pushed. whew...

(not necessarily your) Uncle Skip said...

My cousin's wife, Mrs Cuz, writes poetry and is a hospice nurse, among other things.
This reminds me of her work.
Deeply touching.

Logophile said...

hugs and prayers, my dear.
Thinking of you lots.

Kat said...

Oh no. I am so sorry.
Letting go is so hard.
Sending prayers.

Anvilcloud said...

Brilliant stuff. I guess the best stuff comes from pain. So there's that.

Hilary said...

This is so beautifully written and it tugs at my heart. Have you lost a love one? Hugs to you.

Secret Agent Woman said...

Oh, that's so sad. :(

Jocelyn said...

Aw.