So lovely she lies,
The moon reflected in her eyes.
No longer struggling,
Now dormant, cold and content.

I gaze for an eternity,
Before stroking her cheek.
I am shocked at the firmness, the coldness,
The cold, it numbs my fingertips.

Bending closer,
I bring my ear near her lips,
I feel nothing,
A tear drops from my eye.

Why does this always happen?
Why can’t they live?
I shove myself up and away,
And return to the night.

Roy Richard
June 2023