You lie so quiet on your bed,
You hear the sound and turn your head.
I wait and hope, perhaps a chance,
The faintest smile – I hold your glance
But no – no hint of recognition.
I press your lips and take your hand
And move aside a greying strand –
You seem surprised – there’s no embrace.
The smallest incline of your head
I close, my tears upon your face.
‘Who are you?’ ‘A friend’ I said.

You lie so quiet on your bed,
I enter soft, you turn your head.
Your arms reach up and clasp and hold
And in a trice the years unfold
A tenderness of memory.
A union of heart and mind
The rapture when our bodies bind –
You slump and break – the thoughts are gone
Back with the demons in your head.
But I know you know that we were one –
I heard the word – ‘Darling’ you said.

You lie so quiet on your bed,
I pause – you do not turn your head.
I brush your lips, my fingers trace
The smoothest contours of your face
As pale as alabaster.
You look so young as when we met
Our love was pure without regret.
Your eyes are closed, your spirit fled.
My last caress, my tears are shed.
And I will take my leave, my love
So still and silent on your bed.