Edith

With shallow breath she lies
In the still, restless sleep of the dying.
Her tiny body shivers with an agony
I am powerless to cure.
Memories of her lap gently
At the beach of my mind:
A conspiratorial eye winking;
An "ooo no, I don't like that!";
A smile of beauty and connection.
All I have to give her now
Is a gentle hand;
A few kind words;
Attention;
Tears;
Love.