John Anderson Poet Other

Notes About The Poem

This poem uses my NEW Form => Criss-Cross - Pivot => see details in my blog and contest description 
=> Criss-Cross - Pivot Blog   
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry/blogs/new_poetry_form_-_the_criss-cross_pivot-45140

Listen to poem:

Last Breath

. Family                                         Gathers
.    friends                                     arrive
.     flowers                                  fade
.        voices                               soften
.           hands                           reach
.           fingers                        touch
.                 tears                   glisten
.                   eyes                meet
.                 breaths           ebb
.                         lips         tremble
.                  breathing   slows
.                       LAST BREATH
.                    stillness   settles
.                    silence       listens
.                  ripples           widen
.                  faces                paused
.           sunlight                    softens
.      memories                        re-surface
.  half-smiles                            through tears
.          grief                                 embraced
.  thankful                                    we're here
. coming                                        together
.  Love                                             Remains

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Christine Watts July 1, 2026 at 2:25 AM Hi John Well done and congratulation on you placing a crafted interesting poem capturing the last breath I liked this presentation Cheers Christine

Robert James Liguori June 30, 2026 at 2:02 PM This poem emotionally touched me. Congrats on second place. John Anderson June 30, 2026 at 2:14 PM Wow. Thank you very much. All the best.

Kim Rodrigues June 30, 2026 at 5:59 AM I shared with my best friend, who lost her husband. She was touched.

Natasha L Scragg June 30, 2026 at 12:35 AM Very moving John. Sitting with a person in their final hours, whether or not they know you are there, is a comfort to those remaining. You witness the peace of their departure and it helps you through the grieving process. Stand out lines for me, "stillness settles, silence listens, sunlight softens" they project the delicacy of the moment. Very beautiful. Added to faves John Anderson June 30, 2026 at 12:40 AM Thanks a lot. I must admit that I thought hard about whether it was too emotional. I think it is ideal for the form. The word pairs are its strength, as well as the flow in and out. I'm glad you liked it. All the best.

Andrea Dietrich June 29, 2026 at 8:12 PM Wow this is simply outstanding. You made your form so beautiful. John Anderson June 30, 2026 at 12:33 AM Thanks very much for your kind words, All the Best

Alison A Smith nee Howarth June 29, 2026 at 8:03 PM Your new form has really worked for you. John Anderson June 30, 2026 at 12:34 AM As always thanks very much for the feedback

Robert James Liguori June 29, 2026 at 6:47 PM This poem takes me back to sitting with loved ones who slowly passed to the next life. Thank you for this poem and the memories. You are a very special person John. PoetrySoup is blessed to have you here. John Anderson June 30, 2026 at 12:35 AM WOW Thanks for that! Very much appreciated. Glad you liked it. Cheers Andrea Dietrich June 29, 2026 at 8:12 PM I agree, Robert

Kim Rodrigues June 29, 2026 at 5:56 PM John, This is sung beautifully as a quiet meditation on grief. Just beautiful. I would pick this for POTD. Fave! John Anderson June 30, 2026 at 12:37 AM Yes Indeed the little suno-com tool does a great job and really brings the poem to life. I also playback the song to edit the poem to improve rhythm and flow => often several times to get it right.