As He Lay Dying

-As He Lay Dying-
by Keaton Foster


A friend
Wondrous
The man
As he lay dying
His whole life
What was right
His existence
Shorthanded
His presence
Deeply
Will be missing
Those who know
Those who relied
Upon his smile
And his kind words
Of encouragement
Will miss him
They will cry
A river for him
And ocean for themselves
The stages of grief
Will be put to the test
Some might not survive
Others will be changed
Missing a piece
Of what makes them whole
The completeness
Will never again be right
At least in their
Hearts and minds
As he lay dying
Closest to him
I grip his hand
I whisper
Good friend
You may go
But we must stay
It is your time
God requires
Your presence
Your body
Such a sacred vessel
Will be handled
Per your wishes
I’ll keep my word
Honor your dying wish
Out of reverence
Because of love
Your children
Me
Those also present
Will pay their respects
Will celebrate your life
Because of your death
Mother is waiting
With open arms
God is expecting
Home you are going
Back to the beginning
Via this ending
As he lay dying
One final time
His grip tightens
A subtle smile
Flows on by
Then his grip
Loosens
The end
As he lay dead
I whisper to myself
Goodbye father
Goodbye friend…


As He Lay Dying
Written by Keaton Foster Copyright © 2015.