The Last Time

The last time I held your hand.

The last time I felt the beating of your heart underneath my fingertips after we made love, your heart not skipping a beat.

The last time you turned toward my face on the pillow and gazed into my eyes with a empty look and all the while a smile...

The last time we ate together for our last meal, toasting to health , happiness and prosperity, glasses clinking together with the fragility of my heart.

The last movie we saw together, my hand grazing yours in the salty popcorn bag with the bent over edges.

The last time you told me you loved me.

The last argument we shared, not fierce, not soft... just right.

The last time I felt your feet rub mine.

The last hug, slow, short, empty... a pat felt better than that.

The last kiss...

It’s over.

The last walk down the walkway, no glancing back.

There is only beauty in front, darkness behind with a cast of a dark shadow fading the farther I walk away.

The lasting...