To the very end, alert and brave

As the end neared  his  old mind was stirred
Was active as a river in full spate
Like the visions, intentions, he had learned

Women  whisper fearing to be heard
In married love, how  best to navigate?
On the way to peace his hand was bare

Respect and  truth, like wisdom, must be earned
We come to understand,is it too late
 To bring perception  when with  hate  we   burn?

In my kitchen stood a little bird
The robin  he had fed from breakfast plates
To the very end, alert and brave

As he faded I began to mourn
Seeing him turn pale, inviolate
I  held his hand while tears clumped like a storm

How do we  dare to   find that holy gate?
The  truth  known to  the heart makes no mistake
On the  path to  death,  our minds combined
In the visions, intentions,  we had shared