A Catch of Breath
by Michael Doyle

Let's admit that we're born dying
It's time to stop our crying
Let these words be quietly spoken
It's okay to be a little broken

We're connected by more than our heads
We have more meaning than our words said
It starts and ends with our heartbeat
Shared across the distances that time eats

Can you tell me? Can you hear?
The words of love are deeper than fear
No matter how far this nightmare goes on
I know that you aren't really gone

As I lay beside this gentle stream
I feel your will to survive beyond this dream
You may be beaten down to your last breath
But you have not yet embraced quiet death

Breathe with me, struggling through the years
Though, this day, we are down to bitter tears
The promises that we have kept
Will never equal the tears that we have wept

Our story began with a soul shake
I guess it now ends with one mistake
Though I don't know how to let you go
I guess you'll always have a hold on my soul

This world is punishing by the pain it brings
It is the blues every broken heart sings
One bullet, one gun; I won't deceive
With a gentle squeeze, the trigger is pulled, and I breath

With sad eyes, I watch your life fade away
I wasn't ready to let you go today
But some things just need to be done
I only wish there was another bullet in the gun

With a gentle nod, I quietly say goodbye
I wish it had been my turn to die
Instead, I hold your hand and silently cry
Swearing to every god, that I'll never really say goodbye 

(c) October 8, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved