The shell of his body
lying on the bed

He is growing weaker

Cannot lift his head

Not much time remaining

To say our good-byes

Help me hold back the tears

No time left to cry

A lifetime we have shared

The mystery of life

We’ve enjoyed the good times

Over came the strife

How can I let go of

The shell that I love?

Free this man to be with

His God up above

God knows I feel selfish

Keep him by my side

I don’t’ want to let go

See his spirit glide

I walk into his room

He smiles up at me

Pain racks through his body

That is all I see

Gently I sit down on

The side of his bed

Need to find the right words

Things need to be said

The shell of his body

Shivering with pain

His chest is now rattling

Each breath is a strain

Oh God, it hurts me to

Know what I must say

The shell of his body

Is slipping away

Have you made peace with

God, I ask of him

A look of love crossed his face

As he tried to grin

He reaches out to me

Both hands held high

I leaned forward for

my last kiss good-bye

Good-bye my love, it

Is time to let go

I’m going to be okay

I want you to know

The shell of his body

Remained on the bed

His spirit, his life force

Went soaring ahead

© Copyright 2001 Sherry Gibson. All rights reserved

Revised August 30, 2003

I wrote this poem for a dear friend of mine who had lost her husband of many years. He died of cancer after fighting a mighty battle. "Bob, we'll always miss you".