He Called Her Name Softly
She was losing her husband of forty four years
He’d been sick for so long on and off
He was wilting away and his body shutting down
He was peaceful and ready to go
Had thought it all through
Had made his peace and settled the score
He knew he’d leave behind a widow
She’d be crushed but not forever
He ensured he was leaving her in good hands
Well surrounded among many friends
In a warm loving community
Where they had built solid roots
She knew his strength was fading
She dreaded the day that might come
When her world would turn upside down
She’d have to reconstruct her life
As he sometimes slept, her mind would wander
His presence was there in every room, every corner
The walls resonated with his voice and laughter
Whenever she’d look up, she’d see his face
Early that one morning he held out his hand
Called her name ever so softly, today was the day
So hand in hand, as peaceful as could be
He let out ever so gently, his one last breath
And she kept holding his hand till it was time to let go
AP: 3rd place 2021, 3rd place 2021, Honorable Mention 2021
Submitted on July 3, 2018 for CONTEST NUMBER 460 sponsored by BRIAN STRAND
and January 8, 2017 for contest IMPRESS ME WITH A NEW POEM sponsored by SKAT A
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