David James

I Wouldn’t Be Afraid

if you
told me
that the end
would ease
me into
the afterlife
like a clock
winding down
quietly,
gently,
if you could
guarantee me
a sweet kiss
in that final
second before
my last
breath,
if I knew
you would
go on
and enjoy
your days
and memories,
revel in
the morning sun
with your cup
of Ahmad tea
and knitting,
our grandchildren
coming over
to visit
and swim,
their smiles
planted on
your full heart,
I’d close
my eyes
and let
my soul
go, let it
swirl
around you
and touch
your face
one more
time
before
climbing
the golden
stairs to
heaven where
I’d save a
cloud for you
and a perfect
set of wings,
waiting there
at the pearly gate
with hand-picked
flowers and a
glorious
smile.

David James’ third book, My Torn Dance Card, was a finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie book award. Along with publishing six chapbooks, more than thirty of his one-act plays have been produced. He teaches at Oakland Community College.