Until our Next Embrace

I still remember the softness and transparency of your delicate hands.

Your gaze had a million phrases that I could read

There was no room for words behind our intense embrace

The final time I would kiss your gentle face

Knowing I was leaving you because this was the end

Your body was too frail to wait for my return

Knowing that I will never feel your embrace again

I know you knew it, too, but you couldn't say

Now, I still ask why I left you and did not wait.

I should have waited until your last breath

Life's obligations were pulling; now, it seems so trivial.

I returned as soon as I could, but it was too late.

I saw you again, but your body was now an empty shell

Finally, at peace after enduring your battle with death

Death won this round; I know your spirit was at rest.

I gave you a final kiss and a last embrace

Your eyes were closed, but I know you saw my pain

We walked along your casket through our picturesque town

Going through the streets where you had built a life

Memories of happier times came flooding back

Your last request was granted; you were now in León

Walking through the streets you once called home

Music serenaded your farewell; there was no other way.

Our last embrace was filled with love, pain, and regret

Our last embrace healed old wounds from a complicated love

I will think of you every day until our next embrace.

In loving memory of my father