One last kiss

I hate this pale blue,
a shallow reminder of the sky,
as I hate the floral scented spray,
liberally used so we can pretend
we're not held hostage by failing health.

The beep, beep, beep of a heart beat,
the ever present sound of our mortality
is enough to make us swear off ever getting ill.

None of these mental gymnastics
will ever leave my lips
as I hold your hand and make believe
we're in some exotic, far off place making love.

With joy I remember our life on the edge,
always in danger of falling off,
but always clinging on...

I see my dreams in your eyes,
sometimes clouded with unbearable pain,
as I try and ease your guilt of leaving me.

Your eyes grow big and your hand flutters
pointing toward your lips,
Is it time already love, can you stay just a while?

But you know, as do I the finality of desire
as I bend and cup your face with calloused hands
and kiss you one last time.

With our lips gently pressed, I feel your body relax
as you exhale all our long years together,
permeating my spirit with love.

I thought losing you would be an unbearable
burden, too heavy by far but now I know better
as I carry your soul inside my heart,
living as part of me until my final rest
and I can kiss you once more.