Silent Solace

Silent Solace

I hold her,
    dying,
in my arms;
her body
    covered by a robe of crimson
painted by the blood
that flows from her.

In shadowed moments
I had watched
her sorrow turn to pain.
Without a voice
    I had no choice
but to silently stand by
as she unknowingly,
    with a faint smile
          playing on her lips,
chose me over life.

The retributions of
others toward me –
      Reaper of Souls, Dark Angel -
cannot break the vow
I have taken to provide
final solace.

I embrace her now
as her body
    involuntarily
moves in a mockery of dance.
Soon she will become aware
that she is not alone,
that I am here to comfort,
to lead, to guide her
into a place without pain
    or pleasure,
without sadness
    or joy,
without…

Awareness,
    like a waxing light,
draws her outward
as a final breath
    softly escapes
and we begin
our journey
    to unknown realms.

An entry for Round 31, "Invalid Item" 
Prompt: Image (see above)
Form: Free Verse  
Line Limit: 60
Line Count: 44