Exit Poem by Erika Wingo

Your eyes twinkled through the pain
Your smile still somewhat bright
I sensed a growing distance between us
Clutching your hand as day turned into night
Trying to hold back my tears
Your love like a river overflowing
I could feel it
Deep within my heart

My eyes were glistening
My lips quivering
On the inside my heart felt
Twisted and torn
I struggled with letting you go
As your life's light slowly flickered
To just a dim, barely visible glow
Casting shadows across your face
Suddenly you were far away
Reaching out to me
From a far away place

Swept away into grief
I was praying and crying
I died a thousand deaths
Watching you as you lay dying