THE DYING

If you’ve held the hand of a dying,

then you would know that death can breathe;

you’d feel the calm rush of air deserting inflexible fringes –

the veins, the nerves letting go their cares for life

and lungs contracting, unwillingly at first,

before ceasing for the very last time.

You’d feel the body heave, surrendering memories,

abandoning worries, sending forth the soul.

If you’d listened closely enough you’d heard their subtle exhale,

though you may not hear or feel death inhale.

And if you do not feel or hear another breath,

and if you feel as helpless as you have never been

then it’s time to morn the dead.

If you’ve ever held the hand of a dying

and you stayed close enough,

you’d realized that life is not the beginning

and that death is not the end.

(C) JUDE Ifeme