when the body is thin and frail
and the bones cling to sinew.
when the breath is labored
and the heart a dry pump beating
like a hammer and anvil.
when the mists of time dwell
like fog across the windows
of the soul
and your purr rattles like a distant
chime across meadows of bowing grass.
when you are winding down
and the springs of your clock
can be wound no more.
your lion heart holds on, holds on.
when your breath is carried on high
warm from the beating of angel’s wings.
when that proud mouth takes its last sigh
and the heart taps rhythm no more.
your lion heart carries on, carries on.
your courage burnt hot on my soul.
your patient wisdom rooted in my heart.
and when i lie still in the dark
lonely night.
my hearth is warm, the hot memories
stinging my heart.
your lion heart beats on, beats on.
the time is marked and steady.
your lion heart purrs on, purrs on
like an ebbing coal, hot in my soul.