the last breath

It can be a slow and quiet sigh
It can be an ear-piercing scream
But death, like a dream...
does not seem real

It is not something you can feel
It is rather
the absence
of something
of life
of breath

No circumstance or place inappropriate, it comes
when it wishes
It comes before you can give the good-night kisses
or before you can hang up the wet washing
or before you can write your thanks on a card

however we prepare
it is always abrupt
and cruel
No trial run or practice session
but is always there, in the background
waiting
for our predestined hour
to utter the last
silent
sigh


Maria