The Last Song by Avery McIlquham

I listened to you sing

like a golden canary 

in the branches of an ancient oak.

I watched you dance

just like a graceful ballerina

who made time stand still.

I watched you wither away

as the sickness chewed and gnawed

stripping away at your picture perfect self.

I watched you smile and sing like you were promised tomorrow

but the sickness twists, contorts, and pulls you down

until your once lively song and dance are no more.