The Last Night Poem by Shar Thompson

I can’t remember if we had ever seen eye to eye,
but the last night I held on to you and cried.

My views bent to the left yours skewed to the right,
but I didn’t let go of your hand the whole restless night.

I held it close caressing your fading skin,
not a sound in the room but for our hearts beating.

I measured your fingers against my own,
similarity so obvious only God could clone.

I followed the lines in your graying palm,
and relished the moment in blessed calm.

Within that time all of you I claimed,
no space for hurt, bitterness and blame.

I held you tight and did not digress,
you had no strength left to protest.

My chair pushed up along side your bed,
the raised back held my weary head.

Throughout the night I watched your drawn face,
grim stole your shine but could not steal your grace.

I knew the departure time was near,
so I drenched in your essence before it disappear.

Held every second with the highest regard,
compassion replaced the previously scarred.

I sat with you till the light of dawn,
your body so limp, though you were not yet gone.

For the first and the last I was your whole daughter,
as your soul leaked from your body like water.

With absent voice the end drew still,
so my heart interprets your final will.

You were ready to journey on alone,
your breath deepened to a heavenly tone.

I stood and watched your face once more,
with a helplessness I've never felt before.

Though it was much too soon to say goodbye,
you left on that summer day in July.

Your wings arrived for your final flight,
and I cherished the gift of the last night.