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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.

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