Loss of parents

A day of watching, waiting

For him to disappear

The sadness stayed a long time

For a year each day a tear

He appeared to fight to stay

I weep, though years have passed

We sat with my father

Until he breathed his last

For a man who lived a good life

It felt cruel and unkind

But we cannot know if he had

Any awareness in his mind

Before making some decisions

I consider what he would say

He took our Christmas with him

When, too soon, he went away

An afternoon of chatting, smiling

Just recovered from the flu

My mother was very old

Could leave anytime, we knew

But, her passing was so different

A cry of joy and recognition

Her eyes lit up, then she was gone

Someone had turned off her ignition

I couldn’t weep when she died

She was obviously very pleased

Hadn’t even time to say goodbye

I was amazed. She was released

Since she died I often know

She comes to stand by me

A cool arm round my shoulder

Though no one is there to see

Copyright Audrey Coatesworth 2014

To see all my poetry books go to 'MY BOOKS'