The Coldest Night

A small candlelight burned in the room,
Though in the night it seemed to be consumed.
An older man sat in a small wooden chair,
And in the bed before him, was his worst fear.

His loved one lied there helplessly,
Withering away in her fateful plight.
He assured her that he’d be there for her,
Throughout the dark and snowy night.

An incurable disease overtook her one day,
And since then she had never seen the light of day.
The physician told him her time left was unsure,
Perhaps three months; if she’s lucky four.

He was told this news a year ago,
He hoped her infirmity would soon cease.
But he soon found this to be untrue,
As her fever exceedingly increased

The young girl’s pulse began to fade,
At the edge of the bed, he silently prayed,
Longing that she not be taken,
Leaving him alone, forsaken.

He grasped her limp and pale hand,
And held it gently within his own.
Remembering their former days together,
From which his love for her had grown.

He lifted his hand and smoothly caressed her face,
And fearfully could not move it from its place.
The warmth of life he expected to behold,
But unexpectedly discovered her cheek to be cold.

The embers of the candlelight slowly dimmed,
And a strangling feeling took a hold of him.
Throughout the rest of the night he incessantly cried,
Upon discovering that his only daughter had died.