Death  –  one last breath –
The reality of finality.
No more do overs 
Nothing can fix it
Nothing can change it
No words to speak 

As I stand at the foot of
     your mother’s bed
I am sharing your sacred space
I am observing your compassion
     your tenderness and your tears
 And my heart remembers
          another time  –  my time  –
               much like this . . .

But this is is your  time 
     and I am wondering
         and imaginging
     What must you be thinking?

Oh moment that I dread –
I know you are coming
How can I prepare?
What am I to do? 

Oh  – Momma –
I will hold your hand
I will tell you that I love you
I will kiss your forehead and
     put a cool cloth on your brow

Your fingernails
     I’ll add polish to your nails
          one last time
I’ll put lotion on your hands

And I’ll wait ~

I’ll wait as your breath
     grows shallow
I’ll wait until your strong heart 
     stops beating
I’ll wait until you take
     one last breath
I’ll wait for my heart to say good bye

And I’ll wait ~
     for the moment 
         when you are
                   no more.