living and dying simultaneously
her hand wrinkled and weathered
like
red sorrel and white dandelion blooms
in winter
waiting to be reborn
awaiting
opportunity
clinging to wishes never to be fulfilled
hints of earth tones and red veins
strewn about a body ravaged by radiation
covered by the flaking and hopelessness
of burned skin
images of health betrayed
regimens
choices
workouts
obeyed
ignored
robbed
once vibrant
once gentle and graceful
once filled with breath and memory
living with the promise and anticipation
of a tomorrow
that never comes
but for a little while
for a little while
the beauty of it and her remain