by Katie Ford, If You Have to Go

I am content because before me looms the hope of love. I do not have it; I do not yet have it.

It is a bird strong enough to lead me by the rope it bites; unless I pull, it is strong enough for me.

I do worry the end of my days might come and I will not yet have it. But even then I will be brave

upon my deathbed, and why shouldn't I be? I held things here, and I felt them.

And to all I felt I will whisper hosanna for goodbye. It is sweet to think of myself, alone at that very moment,

able to say such a thing to all that was my life,