
One Last Time
By Barn Brand
We both know my time is coming to an end
No, do not say save your strength
There are things I must say before it is too late
​
Thank you for triggering my desire from our first dance through the years our bodies
did not allow our lovemaking to flow as smoothly as our younger selves enjoyed
For moving from your century old farmhouse to come live with me
For allowing me to hold your gentle hand when you needed to know you were loved
For every morning you opened your eyes; and filled my life with the spirit of
possibilities
And thank you for laying down beside me in this uncaring hospital bed
Resting your head on my chest
Wrapping your arms around me like you always do
Making sure I won’t be lonely when I close my eyes one last time

Barn Brand is the author of “These Poems Feel Out of My Head” His poems have appeared in the52 nd edition of the Paterson Literary Review, on One Art: a journal of poetry, on Masterlink, onRecovering The Self and in the 8 th Edition of Suburban Witchcraft Magazine. His work will soonappear in the 62 nd Edition of the Mosaic Art & Literary Journal. Barn is also co-author of First Day atThe Center. His “Lost and Found Too Late” was awarded Best Poem at the 9 th Annual Foothills Art & Poetry Exhibition.