Each silent stare

Oh but for death
that dividing, estranging angel
of darkness.
My world so small, dark in isolation
except for my dreams, these still
a link in the chain.
My nighttime hope, here you still remain
Death leaves no dignity, we struggle in its call
when all else is still, the eyes alone alive
too weak to speak except with your eyes.
Tubes in your heart, hands gnarled in pain
nothing of your old self, now linked with death
shall remain.
They lowered your body in the waiting ground
newly dug, dark with moisture still.
The eyes of those you loved, bowed down
or upturned to heaven in prayer,
each word, each tear, each silent stare.

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