Leaving Life and Death

Family gathered around
In a tiny hospital room.
Watching, waiting
As the woman in the bed
is dying in front of them.
They talk of the past,
memories of life years ago.
Wondering if she is listening,
If she wants to share too...
I look at this woman
in the last stage of her life,
and the last stage of her death.
Life and death at this point
are about to collide.
For when she leaves this life
She also leaves this death
As she begins her journey...
Her journey home.
I silently cried for this woman
this heartstrong woman in that bed.
I cried for her life,
I cried for her death.
I had to leave that room.
I had to leave.
My last memory of her
Was not going to be
Of her with no breath...
Lying with no life...
I can't do it again...
Her children and family are there
There by her bedside.
She won't be alone
As she is on the road home.
When she reaches the path
From this place to the next
And home is ahead...
They'll be there with her
Sadly, gently sending her off
With all their love.
Sending her home...

cg010307