Candles

I press my wrist to her forehead,
I’m not sick says she.
I know, but I’ll stay the while
And bring tea.

I find her pulse,
Now so steady,
Belies the tempest in her chest.
Here, I’ve brought tea

I light candles
On the chiffarobe,
Looking into the long night,
And pour the tea.

We’ve come this far
And so many years.
Why not one more night, I pray.
Now forgotten, the tea.

The candles have gone out.
Like my kin, one by one.
Now grown cold, the tea.