One February Night

I was a cold February night in the city.  The sun had set and the stars were coming out to illuminate the piled up snow.  Yet on this night, in a second floor bedroom of an old row house, you and I spent some quality time.  I sat by your beside as we chatted about various things – life, weather, God and regrets.  You even hinted at your past drug use, which I knew about, but allowed you to tell it in your own words.  Holding your pale hand, I took in this quiet moment, for we both knew that time was not on our side.  I could have been somewhere else having fun or at home watching mindless TV.  Instead I was here with you.  Despite the years we spent apart, all the missed birthdays and holidays, there was no gift as valuable as this night spent with you.  For one April spring day, you took your last breath and I was left with only memories.

under winter skiers

twinkling stars whisper secrets

to a humble moon

- Written for dVerse Haibun Monday - The Best Things in Life Are Free, where we are asked to write a haibun poem something free or priceless we have experienced.  I'm not sure why but I wrote about a night where I spent some time with my uncle, who had terminal cancer.  It was the only time we spent totally alone without anyone else around before his demise two months later.