Before Sun Rise

remembering the death of my granma.

It is heartbreaking to see your time become so short.
We talked only forty-eight hours before.
The dramatic difference was terrifying.

At your bedside, talking as though you would respond.
Waiting for you to look at me and smile
Knowing too well the slight twinge of your brow
and faint sigh is the most I would receive

I didn't know what to do or what to say;
every second you were slipping, faster away.
I caressed your head, and brushed your hair with my fingers.

I sang the only verses I knew of your favorite song,
over and over until I was sure you were tired of hearing me.
Your sigh acknowledged my effort.
I made promises for our family, to ease your soul
so you would know it was alright to go
Affirming that we knew you loved us all.

"Goodbye, I'll come back and see you tomorrow."
knowing full well I wouldn't see you with breath again
You gave a blunt groan of disapproval
I gently touched your leg, "I love you".

Emptiness filled my heart as I left
I knew I would be laying you to rest
you'd be hugging angels, and kissing Jesus,
before the sun would rise.