Sister Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Devastatingly beautiful, peaceful soul - spirit - lying
in cancer's embrace, dying minute by minute before our
eyes.

Memories flash quickly in and out of our lives together,
growing up, older sister, always there, waiting to help,
yet not wanting to interfere.

Pals through childhood, so many experiences lived through
with one another, how am I supposed to let you go, what
will life be without you?

Emptiness fills me even now, knowing that you are disappear-
ing before my eyes, there's no way to hold you here, even
with a thousand hugs, kisses or pleas.

Prayers said over and over for life to continue, knowing
in our hearts your life on earth will be over soon, our
hands held tightly, praying anyway.

Hearts as one in death as in life, tears falling shamelessly
in grief, devastatingly beautiful, peaceful, your soul and
spirit will go to God.

Breaking finally, cancer's embrace on your precious sisterly
life as it breaks our hearts to let you go without us, tears
of love being shed as you are silently taken away from us.