They Waited

she was gone
transfixed they stood
unable to move
unable to take
it all in;

as though they
hadn't expected it
even though they
knew she was ill;

into empty space
they stared, unable
to release her form
still in the bed
they spoke to her
as if she were
still there;

the grief was palpable
not knowing what
to do now they
waited for her
to tell them
that all will be well
and that they
could go on living.