Nancy's Poetry Review Forum

His sweat dripped off his brow
down his cheek and off his jaw
I wiped his face with my cloth
and was amazed at what I saw.

Looking mean and serious
not knowing I was there
All I saw was an outer shell
of someone who used to care.

I could tell his mind was working
he was really deep in thought
His hands were clenched into a fist
this disturbed me a whole lot.

He tried to speak; but couldn’t
there was no strength inside
His whole body started trembling
for he was about to die.

His appearance was sick and gauntly
his tears engulfed his eyes
Had he been a good enough man?
and repented his sins and lies?

Had his life been good enough?
to relish in God’s glory?
Or was he just way too late
to even say “I’m sorry”?

His soul is restless and in pain
he seeks forgiveness for his heart
For all those things he’s done
knowing there’s no new start.

His heart was beating slower now
the pounds were melting away
Time is of the essence now
he must seek God and pray.


The machines just stopped, it’s over
for his death was finally here
Silence fell across the room
for it triggered my own fears.

I slowly took off his glasses
laid them down on his stand
Kissed him twice goodbye
and let go both his hands.

I wiped my tears then my eyes
then slowly opened his door
I then heard voices singing
somewhere in the corridor.

I twirled around in circles
unsure which direction to go
I had to find that singing
it was important to know.

I slowly opened up his door
and saw his nurses standing there
They were getting him ready
to begin his life elsewhere.

Peace and comfort came over me
it was angel’s I had heard
They were rejoicing and singing
as they praised God and his word.

The room fell awfully quiet
you could tell that he was gone
God came and took his child home
to the place where he belonged.


Kymberly Erickson