I have been thinking about my older sister Leslie lately and found this poem I wrote shortly after her death in March 2012.  I rewrote it slightly and wanted to repost in her memory. 

GOOD-BYE TO MY SISTER

I see you lying in your hospital bed

Dark brown eyes half-closed

Square jaw tight

Can you hear me?

I lean close

“Hello, Sister.”

Your pale lips shift

Into a half-smile

Your skin is smooth

Your body warm

Your legs toned

From constant walking

But I know your body

Is hiding the truth

That a brain once quick

Now has locked doors with no keys

I want you to open your eyes

To sit up and glide off that bed

Ready for a quick walk

Ready for a quick talk

And yet I know

You are going nowhere

Except away in the most real sense

Whether it’s today or tomorrow

I lean close

And say softly,

“What a good sister you’ve been,

And will always be.”

You stare off

Eyes focused on your path

That takes you away from here

To a place that’s free

I kiss your cheek

Bid you farewell

Watch as you close your eyes

And hope we’ll meet again