Willie

Milky with finality
His eyes
Were weak
But wise with age.

The corners of his mouth
Down-turned
Trembled
As he measured words
I will remember.

In the final stages
Of the cancer
That began as a shadow
My friend is being consumed
Cell by cell.

Sitting regularly
At Willie’s side
I grasp for things
To encourage him
But mostly Willie
Encourages me.

So I sit listening
To his shallow breath
His gentle words.

Soon Willie will go
And I will tuck away the treasure
He leaves for me

How I will miss him.