Breath
She lived
on the thin wisps of oxygen
her children
exhaled
so muddled with CO2
she almost suffocated
daily
willingly
wholeheartedly
without hesitation
or pause
hanging on for
dear lives
When in time
they stopped
breathing
in her direction
her heart seized
in panic
gasping for nourishment
her lungs screaming
for breath
her blood
for warmth
her being
for life
She faded
into nothing
into air
itself
She drifted
for days
among the plants in her garden
lily and larkspur bowing
all whispering
Here we are
She blew
for weeks
along the beach
sea spray and tide dancing
humming their serene song
Here we are
She lilted
for months
amid the golden breeze, the shining grass
both glistening while
whistling tenderly
Here we are
Until
She floated
with grace and poise
to her children
who gradually and earnestly breathed her in
as she gently exhaled
Here I am.