LOCKED

breath
slow, synchronized to the beating of shared heart
they
side by side,
wrapped in sorrow’s heavy blanket
grasp the last stolen moment before it takes flight
each gazes into the depths of the other
knowing
       no more time
       no more forever


fate
       no refusal
       no struggle
acquiescence
       no silent soliloquies.
       no secret prayers
goodbye


cheek,
tear-stained, caressed before gentle exit
she
all alone
forsaken to the world’s ugliness, emptiness once more
surrenders softly the last vestige of hope
solitary, locks away her heart
knowing
      no more time
      no more forever