I will finally let you go

These days, that moment haunts me,

That first moment we met.

You were a vision from the heavens

That I never would forget.

I watched you from a distance,

Wondering if you were for real.

I thought perhaps if I just blinked

You would suddenly disappear.

But I knew that there was no escape.

Your smile seized my very soul.

Your timid touch pierced my defenses.

My heart was losing all control.

Your eyes, a brilliant sunrise

From which I couldn't turn away.

Your silky voice, the sweetest melody

That played in my mind all day.

My love grew like a malady,

And there was nothing I could do.

I knew for sure the only remedy

Was to pledge my life to you.

I was defenseless but exuberant.

I felt in awe of each new day

And my constant thoughts of only you,

A sweet place I was enslaved.

Oh, but you were quite the challenge.

You did not relinquish easily.

I had to joust each day to win your heart

While you played coy incessantly.

But I would never acquiesce

From my designs upon your heart,

And once I proved to be victorious,

We would never be apart.

Our life became a precious journey,

Trekking through both highs and lows.

We were a family of adventurers,

A force against the world we'd go.

And as you lay there sleeping now,

Our life reflected in your face.

Each line and crease a testimonial

To all the love and strength you gave.

It tells the story of our children

Who brought us joy through long, hard years.

It reveals the hardships that we overcame

With grateful laughter and some tears.

Your eyes now opened to the darkness.

The light within those eyes still bright.

Your upturned face so pale and lovely,

My breath still catches at the sight.

It's time to face the grim reality

Of the fast-approaching end.

There is no future now for us to share,

Only those places where we've been.

My sorrow's heavy on my chest

As you smile up at me.

I'm just a useless, helpless coward

Pleading with you not to leave.

I have stubbornly resisted,

Negotiating for more time.

One more day to gaze upon that face

And feel your heart beat next to mine.

Five decades we've lived side by side.

It's been you who's kept me brave,

And if you leave me all alone,

I fear I can't be saved.

Your voice is now a whisper.

Your breathing comes in slow, short gasps.

In my arms you're like a feather.

Your hand feels frail inside my grasp.

Your words are firm but loving.

I must finally let you go

And be grateful for the gift we shared

That so many never know.

Then I gently kiss your cool, wet cheeks

And watch you slowly slip away.

I feel comfort in the peace you've found,

And in that peace, we'll share someday.

And then that moment reappears,

That first moment we met.

I thank God for every moment since

And let you go without regrets.