It's been a week
Since I last had
A skirmish
With that old Reaper
As he held his well honed
Sling blade, at the ready.

He had me deep
Within his clutches
I felt his sharp claws
He held me down
With his skeletal paws.

Last night I fell asleep
After saying my prayers
I was Blest
My Lord stood by my side.

I had the pleasure
To see
Another beautiful sunrise
The weather has been
Like new days, in my life.

I must confess
On that unholy night
I bit my lips
To suppress the tears
I was holding back.

As I held the phone
To my ears
talking to my grand kids
Listening to thier barrage
Of curious questions.

Papa, what's a hurricane?
Are You OK?
What are you doing now?
Are You scare?
I love You Papa.

Their little voices
Unknown to them
Was tearing my heart apart
As I face the reality,
At hand
Wondering if I'll ever
Embrace them again.

So I bit my lips harder
As I tried, to answer them
Before the flow of tears.

I handed the phone
To my loving soul mate
Who braved herself, that night
By my side.


By: William Bonilla
8/20/04