Forever
        by Sarah Elizabeth Hume


   You told me once
   that you would keep me forever.
   I would like to know
   who holds the measurements for such a word.
   
   Is it the seven years you have held on to me,
   or the extra day before you leave?
   Is it the moment before I leave this earth,
   or the day you cross the path filled sky
   to find me waiting?

   I am always waiting...
   for you to slumber next to me
   and warm the covers of our bed.
   Waiting...
   for you to catch the rain as it falls to the cold floor.
   Waiting...
   for forever to end like you said it never would
   when your ring of promise grazed my skin.

   No,
   How can we know when forever ends and begins?
   All things fail here.
   And the love in your eyes for me 
   is starting to fade,
   like a candle growing dimmer each day.

   So I ask you once more love,
   hold me for forever
   and let me fall when it is finished.
   I often wish I never heard of such a dream
   as this word.

   Tell me what forever means.