A Quiet Promise

her hands shook as she held the rosary tightly in her grasp.

her gasping breaths echoed through the empty house

alone and forgotten, she stared into the mirror,

wondering when she had turned into her mother.

the cold grip of death tickled at her toes.

her time was ending and she had no one to share her last breath with.

her mind flashed in memories.

her wedding day,

the birth of her first son,

the too soon death of child,

the death of her mother,

the death of her husband.

nothing but the memories of pain filled her mind.

she began to quietly mumble a prayer,

in vain hope that it will save her.

she could see Death coming closer and closer,

his arms welcoming her,

his voice murmuring quiet promises of the pain to stop.

she took one last look at the rosary in her hand,

then gave herself to Death;

hope ringing in her mind, she smiled and was free.