I Held Your Hand Poem by Cathleen Hodgkinson

In memory of James R. Hodgkinson 1921-2006

Forever a strong and consistent demeanor,
with sea blue eyes and desheveled appearance,
never depending on anyone,
was your life before.

Then God brought you to me, to hold your hand, and I did so.
I held your hand and never let go.

As your old tired body began to defy you,
you clung onto clarity and hungered for dignity,
like a warrior that could not quite accept defeat.

You struggled in despair and frustration,
mourning who you used to be.
You'd weep and desire your old world,
knowing deep inside it would never again be.

I ached in your sorrow, cried my own tears.
All I could ever do was hold your hand and never let go.

Through the trying times and through the humor,
we knew your journey here was ending.
You said you were ready so many times,
but I saw contradiction in your eyes, I saw the fear.

I held your hand even tighter and never let go.

The night came, your journey here was ending,
I watched your last breath and I still held you hand.
Only this time I had to let go.

(March 2007)