She said her goodbyes today

Her

“I’ve had a great life,

and oh, the times I’ve had”

I smiled and tried to brush

the implications aside,

said

“I’ll see you next week.”

She smiled,

closed her eyes,

but didn’t respond.

Suddenly,

just when I thought she’d fallen asleep,

her eyes opened,

sharpened,

“Look after him for me,”

she said.

Angelic were her eyelids,

with snow capped lashes

under diamond white hair.

I was in the presence of peace,

A soul at rest,

ready to leave

on it’s next journey.

I smiled,

and said I’d see her soon.

And yes, I would take care of him.

I walked away,

holding back my tears

Realizing that if I could simplify my life

to that state of grace,

allow her to go

with joy in my heart,

We’d both be able to smile

at the goodbye.

But instead I’m left hollow,

feeling the dimming

of one more star

In the beautiful night.