Between Life and Death

Between Life and Death

A shadowy pallor
clings to you,
a veil,
and stills your blood
and makes of you a tiny child,
sleep heavy eyes
lashes lightly brushing cheeks
so downy to kiss
breath quiet as puffs of feather down
thoughts unvoiced
fearful of separation
angry hands fighting to be mother held,

And makes of me a tender mother
all heartbeat
and brimming eyes
and hungry wanting arms,

And, somehow,
it is easier to love you in death
than it was in life.