Do Not Pass By
I refrained from holding your hand
as you lay
in the hospital bed,
dying within the echo
of your dignity,
fearful that when death finally came
he would not be able to take you,
my fingers too tight
through yours;
I had witnessed
too much pain twisting
your bruised body
and stiffening your pale mouth
to let that occur,
even if
it deprived me
of you.
• • •
Edward Lee‘s poetry, short stories, non-fiction and photography have been published in magazines in Ireland, England and America, including The Stinging Fly, Skylight 47, Acumen and Smiths Knoll. His debut poetry collection Playing Poohsticks On Ha’Penny Bridge was published in 2010. .His blog/website can be found at https://edwardmlee.wordpress.com
