Still With Me

Beneath my fingertips

I felt their last heartbeat

With an eye on the labored rise and fall of their chest

I saw their last breath

I watched the spark in their eyes go dark

As life left them

Then before me only a silent remnant

Of the life that once was

It was my job to tell you, parent

child, brother, sister

Watch as the color drained from your face

As the truth you already knew sank in

I saw the tears form in your eyes

They were gone

Death had taken them

I longed to reach out and comfort you

But there is no comfort in a moment such as this

I wanted to free you from your sorrow

A sorrow that touched so deeply

settling to your very core

Though a stranger, I felt your pain

It weighed heavily upon my heart

Chipping away at my facade

I…