gone

i held your fragile hand,
as if my grasp could keep you here,
as though i could anchor your spirit.
your eyes said everything you couldn't.
memories choked back by tears,
a smile drawn on your face,
you inhaled.
not just breathing in the air,
breathing in life.
you exhaled,
a sigh of nostalgia, 
a final laugh we could share.
i sighed with you,
a sigh of relief,
you would inhale once more.
my grasp clenched,
i wasn't letting you go.
but you knew,
you always knew.
and in an instant, you were gone.