for Vito

her heart is breaking
so young he is
too young
she can't bear to see them
this way
she bundles herself
against the overwhelming sadness
 
darkness falls
a sheer veil
to cover wet cheeks
 
in the other room
he lies
his dark beautiful eyes
searching for those
he can no longer see
he hears their weeping
feels the touch of lingering hands
desperate to hold on
yet telling him
it's ok to let go
 
even from here
sheltered in her own room
the trembling of broken hearts
permeates through the wall
she lights a candle for him
watches the flame flicker
casting light and shadow
hot wax pooling
dripping
the flame drowning  
 
hushed voices turn to sobs
she rises and blows out the candle,
whispers her goodbyes,
and lets the darkness come.

*cancer sucks