There, in the quietness,
Of that hospital’s stark whiteness,
With pain so intense,
It made the body numb;
Where the smell of death
Scented the air…
They were quiet…
But I heard them come!
They weren’t there for me,
But their presence I felt,
As they took the soul from the body,
And set the spirit free!
Pain that ravaged the body and face
Just mere moments before,
Took on a different look,
When they walked through the door!
I didn’t see them…
But I know they were there;
For arms went up to greet them,
And a smile, replaced the tears.
I’ve been there twice now,
When they came…
And both times, there was nothing different,
It was all the same.
The room was filled with peace,
And their footsteps, I scarcely could hear,
As they gently took the helm of my loved one,
And side by side, they sailed together
Through the valley of fear.
******************
So…when they come for me…
I’ll gladly take their hand
And let them sail my ship
Into a better land!
Don’t be afraid for me!
There is no need to fear!
You need to realize…
There’s MORE than “now and here!”
For when this ship sails from your sight…
It only means I’ve taken flight!
Life’s river has no end…
I’ve just sailed around the bend!
Anita Mondragon August 2005