I have been thinking about my older sister Leslie lately and found this poem I wrote shortly after her death in March 2012. I rewrote it slightly and wanted to repost in her memory.
GOOD-BYE TO MY SISTER
I see you lying in your hospital bed
Dark brown eyes half-closed
Square jaw tight
Can you hear me?
I lean close
“Hello, Sister.”
Your pale lips shift
Into a half-smile
Your skin is smooth
Your body warm
Your legs toned
From constant walking
But I know your body
Is hiding the truth
That a brain once quick
Now has locked doors with no keys
I want you to open your eyes
To sit up and glide off that bed
Ready for a quick walk
Ready for a quick talk
And yet I know
You are going nowhere
Except away in the most real sense
Whether it’s today or tomorrow
I lean close
And say softly,
“What a good sister you’ve been,
And will always be.”
You stare off
Eyes focused on your path
That takes you away from here
To a place that’s free
I kiss your cheek
Bid you farewell
Watch as you close your eyes
And hope we’ll meet again
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