Kenneth Latimer | + Follow Poet |
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I Felt That Breath

I've lived a life full of ups and downs
With happiness and sadness playing like a see-saw
But even during these times that the sun shined
And it seemed all was right in the world
I've felt that breath
I've received love, even though I've never returned it
But the warmth of that feeling is rare
However, during this time as love held me tight
And an assumed joy filled my lungs
I've still felt that breath
I've made lots of money with thoughts that this was the answer
Nice house, nice cars and the amenities of success
As I reveled in my so-called glory
And assessed my fickle empire
I've felt that breath
During my life, I've lost my mother, my child
I've lost my wife, my family. mostly by my doing
I've even lost my life
Not to death but to an unwillingness to live
So, I've felt that breath
It blew on my neck so soothing
That I turned to inhale it in my lungs
My mind had adhered to its call
That I gave rationality to its dark path
That day came, when I saw no other option
And I rose from bed eager to return forever
My plan was to gather all the oval and round children
Biblically speaking, gather them unto me
Anticipating that final breath
However, there was another plan for me
And as the gurney carried the shell
My soul refused to let go
As an echo said; "Get up. For you have more to do."
Now, 15 years later and millions of words scripted
I see what I would have left unheard
So I say to those that feel that breath
You may not see it in you but others need to hear it from you
And no matter how comforting that breath is
Or how inviting the call maybe
Remember; many can do what you do
But no one can do it the way that you do.

Copyright © Kenneth Latimer | Year Posted 2022

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