defeat

She did not show defeat, even as the plague swallowed her whole.

As she exited from the room, she raised her head and dare not ring the bell for that would be her final toll.

Glassy eyes and fading hair, she was stronger than the oldest mountain.

No bitterness upon her tongue and no regrets had she for the steps which brought her here.

She did not show defeat, and now I must learn to weep.

Her body lay in ashes as they are confined to solid stone.

I wake in the night and know I am never alone.