Ever After

I will lie easy if she is there

dragging a comb through my tangled hair,

sponging clean my face and chest

I will lie easy, peaceful and blessed.

I will lie easy when my soul leaves

this mouldering body if her heart grieves

for what has been lost, and for what will be missed,

the fingers that touched, and the lips that kissed.

I will lie easy in a pinewood tomb

awaiting the tulips she planted to bloom

from their bed above mine in the loosened loam

long after she too has been called home.

I will lie easy while the seasons turn

my bone to ash, and my flesh to worm,

gratefully tethered ever after the grave

to the woman who treasured the love that I gave.