life(?)

I always wondered what it must feel like.
Then I saw her.
Acceptance in her eyes
She knew.
How?
She knew.

I held her head in my hand.
It fits in my palm.
Like a baby’s head.
But, degenerating.
Muscle deteriorating,
Skin pulled tight over bone.

I can see it in her eyes.
She asks me if she will see him soon.
She asks me for promises.

My shoulder is moist.
Form the tears that flow.
What about mine?
Strength they seek in me.
But then I see her.
The look in her eyes.
Does she see the reaper over her shoulder?
In the corner of her eye?
I wonder.

Today is his birthday.
Life has been less than kind to him.
He looks to her for strength.
They look to me to stand strong by him.
I falter in my speech.
I choke on my voice.
Tears in my eyes.
But I must.
For him.

Does she see the reaper standing by?
I wonder.