Sandra Osborne - Loss

Holding them tight
Within my arms,
Holding them close
Safe from harm.

Pets and children,
Mother and wife,
Awaiting death
Within my life.

I wish for some,
To be the first.
I wish for others,
No more hurt.

But knowledge and pain
Brings the knowing
That gnawing fear
Is always growing.

That no one here,
Is ever safe.
That I will be,
Always to late.

To late to hold them
One last time,
With only the memory
That they were mine.

Sandra Osborne

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/loss-3/