I Witnessed Poem by Bill Galvin

I Witnessed

I witnessed…
The agony of her tortured body;
The anguish of her tormented soul.
I witnessed…
Suffering no one should have to bear;
Sounds no one should have to hear.
I witnessed…
Deep sobbing; mournful wailing in the night;
Discomfort and needs that had no ease.
I witnessed…
Against my will; and worse still,
It went on so long; such a long goodbye.

I cried to God…
Give half her pain to me; and leave her be.
To take her would be a blessing,
But that I did not yet want to see.
I cried to her… then I cried for her…
So helpless, she and I, to alter the finality.

I witnessed also…
Her fortitude to maintain her dignity;
Her courage to face adversity;
Her strength to endure this absurd travesty;
Her contentment over minor victories;
Her concern to not be pitied;
Her desire, her grace, her love of life;
Her Good Soul's embrace.

I witnessed…
An Angel ascend into Heaven.

2-19-2015