Covered by Shadows

Covered by shadows,

I watch your loved ones gather.

Tears on cheeks,

gentle sniffles.

Someone shares a memory,

and they laugh.

The squeaky wheel of a nurse's cart 

approaches.

I smell her vanilla perfume.

A gentle knock.

Her footsteps move toward your bedside.

The room grows heavy 

as everyone quiets.

"Heart Rate 119. 

Respirations 32,"

She tells the family.

I notice you're grimacing.

The nurse does too.

She returns to her cart,

packages crinkling.

Then back to your bedside.

"There," she says softly.

"That should help."

The quiet chatter resumes.

Later that night, 

beneath the soft glow of the beside lamp,

I approach you slowly.

You're resting peacefully,

as is the family member beside you.

Your hand is cool

and clammy in mine.

You look up at me

with pale gray eyes.

Your lips turn slightly upward.

You nod.

I place my hand over your heart

and watch you inhale

one long, low breath.

Your face relaxes into a smile.

The light in your eyes fades

as your soul leaves it's shell.

We, now shadows,

approach the door.

One last look

at the body you wore,

and the spouse you leave behind.

As you step toward the light,

You look back at me

with another nod.

I slip back into the shadows

and wait

for the next breath to stop.