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/