The Bitter Watches of the Night

I know what I have seen,
In the bitter watches of the night;
I know where my hands have been,
As they soothe your body in its fight.

I know what pain you bear,
As the cancer eats away at you;
I know what oath awaits me there —
To choose what love asks for you.

I’ve lost pieces of my heart before –
Just weeks ago, I felt the loss last;
Yet I must again open that door –
And make you my sweeter past.

It is for me and us, I keep you still –
Breathing and loving and aching –
But I must, by sheer force of will,
Think on your peace, in forsaking.

I have loved you and will always,
You’re my curmudgeon, my daughter –
This love is what stays, my child,
Long after I send you to dust and water.