My Aunt

Together with the birds, I sing a song 

"When you sing, everything's beautiful" are the words you said to me

That alone, those words you spoke, brought me joy that I could not express

"If there's a day my voice disappears; if I can't sing anymore,

Would you still be here with me; would you still love me as you did before?"

"Of course," was your reply to me as you smiled gently with that kind smile 

And I knew if I'm with you, I would wish for nothing more

You tired as your sickness left you weaker than before

What we had living together could not afford

Remedies that were needed for curing you

So day by painful day, with no more time to waste,

I worked hard at odd jobs and even dabbled in prostitution for you, I close my eyes and keep my faith

With these hands I fight, I couldn't let your life slip away

"You hold beauty in your fingertips" are the words you said to me

Though you cradle my bruised and wounded hands while your own was cold as winter ice...

"If there's a day my hands become bruised and I can't work anymore

Would you still be here with me; would you still love me as you did before?"

"But of course" was your reply to me as you coughed into your sleeve

No time to sleep, I need to work, I need to heal you somehow

I'm racing time, your medication is expensive

More, just a little more, just a little; Racing against the leaves fluttering

Keep fighting 'til my fingers are nothing... I'll keep working even if I sell my body to others

Keep my promise to embrace you; without wings, I'll love you even more

And that crane which once so beautifully had taken flight that winter day

I'll remember for forever how you spread your wings and soared

And as always, for forever, 'til the end I'll love you as before

Reviews

[sette]

and it is good to know that there is still someone who supports you emotionally and that is your aunt

[Great Aunt Astri]

Oh, this brought tears to my eyes! You have written this poem in such a way that shows the love and 'urgency' that you must have felt about your Aunt's illness. The conversation is very clever because it brings us right there with you. And I love the way you describe her death at the end. Well done for writing this poem with loving pathos.

[송지석 / Ji-Suk]

Thank you very much for your very kind comment and critique! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story for your aunt. She was a special woman. Thank you for sharing your words and thoughts. You honor her memory with the words.
Coyote

[송지석 / Ji-Suk]

Thanks. She lost her fight with cancer six years ago.

[Coyote Poetry]

I am sorry for your lost. We meet few kind people in a lifetime.

[Crowley]

The pain of caring mixed with the highs and longing of love. This was a very adept portrait of caring and loving someone so much. The bedrock of the highest self, reflected through the eyes of humanity and adoration. Loved this.

[송지석 / Ji-Suk]

Thanks so much! I am happy you liked it!