Prepare. Farewell.

These, my handprints

on your tombstone.

This, my graveside speech.

My heart is no stranger

to your cemetery.

You're not gone yet,

but I'm trying to brace

for the imminent news,

of your stopped heart

and final strained breath.

So if I don't say much

these last few years,

don't think a problem lurks.

Just gone is thought, recording

memories and bracing self.

Goodbye.

This may be

the only way,

I'll have strength to say it.