Blisters burbling in sweaty sheets

cascading down damp, feverish cheeks

Endless nights bleed dawn to find

Coughs as dark as blood-red wine

Papery hands grasp dangerous hope

Slippery and fleeting, fingertips in smoke

Words like butter, the color of moon

Futile and empty and out of tune.

Footsteps creak on death’s worn floor

A tortured soul (half out the door)

Desperate breaths claw ragged throat

As lonesome howl as hollow note

And when despondent eyes do close

(a final bow to final pose)

Life’s heavy curtain sinks velvety wings

Returned to Earth, as do all mortal things.