(Published in Wingless Dreamer’s “Field of Black Roses Anthology)
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I know one day you will take your last breath
Leave me and grasp the cold hand of death
I want you to touch me as you pass on
Leave your fingers’ impress after you’ve gone
Pillows behind you
Quilt on your lap
I’ll stroke your head gently
Pretend it’s a nap
Your head will nod slowly as if you agree
I cannot survive this—it should have been me
To go first.
I should have been first.