One heart beats fast.

He knocks on the door,

flowers in hand,

knuckles clenched and white.

 

One heart beats fast.

She turns the gold knob,

holding her breath,

knuckles white.

 

Eyes meet,

they smile,

two hearts beat fast.

~

Under the stars,

the night is hushed,

they whisper

of dreams,

fears,

hopes.

Their hands find each other,

Entwining.

Warmth rushes up from the touch,

Thrilling.

~

Dozing on the couch,

his breathing relaxed and easy,

she pulls a blanket over his sleeping form.

His eyes blink open.

He invites her down

tugging her to the cushions below.

She laughs and burrows next to him.

Two hearts beat soft and slow.

~

The night is late,

almost early.

He finishes his final project.

His eyes droop,

his limbs are limp and heavy.

Suddenly arms encircle him,

covered in soft flannel.

He turns around and sees her

blinking sleepily.

He scoops her up and twirls her around.

Their laughter bright and unhindered.

~

A fuzzy image on the screen.

The little one is hiding her face, finally

they catch a blurry glimpse.

They squeeze each other’s hands,

knuckles white,

in anticipation.

~

“It’s time to say your goodbyes.”

They clasp to their little girl.

Her eyes flutter open

giving them a precious look

into her dark brown eyes.

The little one gives a soft sigh

eyes closing,

Silence.

Two hearts beat.

The emptiness gouges an aching tear in their hearts,

curled up together

wracked with sobs,

they cling to each other,

their anchor in the storm of loss and pain.

~

They walk a sunlit path,

their hands holding the little fingers

of their children.

The moments are coming faster now.

Soon they find themselves

alone once again

holding to each other’s hands.

Their children grown,

hands encircling their own families.

~

He lays on the bed,

breathing ragged.

She sits by the bedside

hand wrapped through his.

Frail, but the grip is strong.

 

She whispers softly

Recalling times of

laughter,

tears,

comfort,

fear,

frustrations,

late nights,

held tights,

kisses,

wishes,

sacrifice,

kind deeds,

and the daily living of the words

I love you.

 

Death approaches reverently.

He grips the hand of the man.

The man fights,

refusing to release the hold on her hand.

He coaxes their fingers

 apart gently.

Silence.

One heart beats.

~

The family has gathered,

Daughters and sons,

grandchildren and great grandchildren too.

They listen as she tells of life lessons and joys.

One little one tugs on her mother’s sleeve.

“Look Mom, right there,

Grandpa is there.”

The mother looks up and thought she could see

a young man

supporting her mother.

He stood at her shoulder

his hand by hers,

a soft smile on his lips

listening to her words.

His eyes full of love,

holding her up.

The mother blinks away tears,

and then he is gone.

She surveys the room,

the laughter and light.

The love of one couple, changed the whole world.

They taught how to love,

and created a legacy.

One that continues,

hearts beating in harmony.