While I sit on the couch next to you,
a smile on your face,
meat on your bones,
a shimmer in your eye,
a beat in your heart.
I can feel happiness.

While I look at you,
I admire your bravery,
I admire your work ethic,
your stubborn personailty,
that crooked smile imprinted on your face.
I can feel happniess.

While I watch you work,
I hear the profanity you speak,
the lessons you teach me ring like chimes in the wind.
I can feel happiness.

I began to notice these characteristics draining from your body.
Your cheeks that once were filled with all kinds of colors, now are pale and cold.
Your eyes that once contained a sparkle of light, now are dull and all emotion is lost.
Your body that once was bold and masculine,
the same body that craddled me when I cried,
the body that loved me unconditionally,
the body that is now scrawny, cold and lifeless.

I'll let them take you now,
I'll hold on to the memories and I'll hold on to this life you gave me until I, like you, will be lifted up and cared for as you are now.