In this time of your dying
you return to the life that
you lived and go over once
again those memories from
times when you felt alive and
gave all the love you possessed.

And in this ragged moment
between life and death you
also have eyes of regret in seeing
what you did not do and hearing
all those words left unsaid or uttered
as weapons that their targets met.

Now is the time of no pretence,
but pretend you still do, and even
though we are close and locked
together at this bed, the theatre
still remains as stubborn to the end.

Turn your eyes towards me and look,
and in your time of dying see my face,
and hear my voice from childhood
reaching out for one I never knew.

 

28/4/2023