Love Poem: The Last 39 Minutes of My Life
Lise Clendening Avatar
Written by: Lise Clendening

The Last 39 Minutes of My Life

Hello so quickly turns into goodbye, in my last 39 minutes on this earth,
Memories swirl through my mind, starting at my birth.
Childhood dreams and meeting my Prince Charming,
Days of rising early turned into years, quite alarming.

Playing house with tiny feet’s patter,
and laughter’s sweet sound,
In our modest 900 square-foot home, love was found.
Bursting at the seams; hope filled every nook,
Through lean years and hardship, I kept turning the page in my book.

Running full speed ahead, by leaps and bounds—reliving moments so precious,
The race against the clock saw me searching through nooks and crevices,
Celebrating many milestones—everything was right,
Ignoring the inevitable, staring me in the face was the fading light.

The mirror reflects the lines in my face, etched by years’ demand,
My hands, now worn and frail in braving life’s commands.
Reflecting on the dreams and hopes I once held dear,
Cherishing the laughter that wiped away each tear.
Taking each laboured breath, savouring life’s last song,
These 39 lines echo as the end draws near— time to say so long.
Soon, I will be making my way come nightfall. 
Where my loved ones await, I hear the homecoming call.

One last feeble smile, one last tender kiss,
Surrounded by family I will forever miss.
My heart swells, my hands relax on my last embrace,
My time is near, as I leave with grace.

Oh, if only I knew—when time was still in view—that 39 minutes would be so very few.
If I could turn back time, I would hold you so much closer.
If only I knew, I would have been so much wiser.

I would have slowed down the days, let each moment unfold,
I would have walked in the rain, danced through the storm of life, and been bold.
I would have tasted each sweet kiss, and drunk from love’s sweet vine,
I would have treasured your embrace that was so divine.

A lifetime’s worth,
Here on earth,
Showtime’s close,
My final rose.

I would have written a different chapter, though now it’s coming to an end,
I will hold close the memories and make a few amends.
As I take a bow, right on cue, let the curtains fall.
My last breath, the final call.