I sat quietly watching the place where this world meets the next, listening

A raspy breath in, then out, then in, then out

Suddenly, like a bellows someone forgot to pump

You stopped.

I waited, holding my own breath,

 Bereft, but strangely curious.

I looked for the place where you had gone, where I would someday follow,

But there was nothing to see or hear or touch

Except your cooling body and my shattered heart.

I know for certain that you’re gone,

As all the strange rituals are observed.

The next time I see what’s left of you

You’re sporting your best blue suit,

Clip on earrings, a perfect manicure.

I want to stop them when they come to close the lid

Knowing the situation does not suit the you that was

Claustrophobic, wary of strange places.

Last night I dreamed you alive again

Laughing at something I said

while you shared the recipe for mom’s banana cake,

Waking, I reach for the phone to call you

Forgetting for that brief second

You have left on your trip to eternity.