I Love You More

There she lies with a smile on her tired face eyes closed taut to extinguish the sunlight. Occasionally she would peep just to touch base to say a few words then continue her fight. Summer was ending as momma’s time was too each day was a struggle to take one more breath. Angels were calling as family tensions grew it was so tormenting waiting for her death. A day was spent talking to deceased loved ones venting all of her anger on ones who hurt her. Shocking revelation eventually stuns as shallow exhausted mind starts to transfer. Daily said I love you, it could be her last but she would always reply, I love you more. I persistently announced she was a blast and that I never thought her to be a bore. On the eve of her death I could feel it near her breaths became short, sketchy, and weak. Living without her, I felt tremendous fear as I lowered to kiss her frail-soft-creased cheek. I ran my fingers through wavy gray hair and held her face in my trembling small hand. Releasing her was more than I could bear the lump in my throat started to expand. Tears exploded all over my burning cheek never had I cried this much before. I was so overwhelmed I could not speak except for the words, I love you more…. Copyright © 2010 By Caryl S. Muzzey Seventh Place Winner ~ "Last words to a loved one” Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Gareth James Jan. 31, 2011