My heart skips beats
I start to cough
I cannot catch my breath

Years to go
Or so I thought
As I contemplated death

Have I told you
All I had to say?
Have I taught you to be kind?

Did I mention
Grasping hold of love?
Hoarding all that you can find

Do you look around
To study the graces
Of the peaceful and serene

The timeline etched
Across their faces
That a life well lived can bring

Will you visit
All the lands afar
Those dreams that draw you near?

Resolved in mind to fill the spaces
With calm
Instead of fear

More important
Do you know I love you
Even when I let you go

I’ll watch over
You forever
Through the ebb and flow

All these thoughts pass
Through my mind
In less than a single minute

Always knowing
How my life’s been blessed
And better for you in it.

MLI 9-4-22