—
Why did you die so young?
Was it a haunting
hidden death wish?
You had your fill of life.
Or, was it like
the scythe to wheat,
felled before
your time was spent.
In the hospital,
in those last days,
you, in your bed
in that loose-fitting gown.
called out my name.
I reached towards you
and held your hand.
But you, in an instant,
pulled it back.
What of that reaction?
A reflex of
a sedated state
or an exclamation of
our relation.
You died shortly after
but that gesture
possesses me still,
Ghostly question of
an orphaned heart.
1/15/17
—
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