50/50 Chance

50/50 Chance

"My husband is dying"

Your words rush out breathlessly

and you seem surprised
by your sudden disclosure

as your fingers caress my cheek

You apologize for my tears 
I will not be sorry 
as our hearts ache together
 You could not hold in your words

anymore than I could conceal my sorrow

a 50/50 chance

living and dying 

breath by breath

Warming my hands

I watch for the fall of your shoulders

a sighing exhale

We breathe together

Our hearts instinctively know 

who to reach toward

needing to touch

needing to be touched

a 50/50 chance

living and dying 

breath by breath

Angela Minard 2014©