Can’t blame you for being dead, I suppose
That was the plan after all
You’ve chosen a Saturday night
But that’s okay,
I wasn’t gonna party anyway

I guess we feel it coming, we humans
And I felt like staying,
Even past visiting time
No one that told me to go,
As if they knew as well

I finally sat down at your bedside,
Holding you with my both hands
Singing a few lullabies
Like one would do for a new-born
Only very mature

Then it just happened.

The near-death breathing is like an old vintage clock
And your ticking was so regular the whole day
It only took a few misses to suddenly make it stop

As for the companion in the room,
Things don’t change that much really
I stood the same position
Until the night shift made their appearance
In a very light pushing of the door.
I gave’em the sign it was over
And waited another half an hour
For the intern to certify death

The body temperature drops very slowly
As long as you keep your hands on
It’s like a bath getting cooler, degree by degree
And you know you have to leave at some point
But it’s colder outside

Your face is quite relaxed
It looks in peace
You’re almost the same
Only not breathing anymore

And I really don’t feel like crying at the moment.
You wouldn’t want me too sad, would you ?

But they already have to cut this brotherliness cord
Between you and me
So I must leave the room
While the nurses follow their ritual
And when I’m back it’s so different :
You’re now a lying corpse
Lit by a tiny candle that’s braving the fresh air
From a slighly open window

You’re set up for the night, my beloved stiff
And I felt ready for another vigil
But with the growing cold and my empty stomach,
Having really nothing else but an armchair to crash on,
I realize it turns pretty creepy for a noble gesture

I have to make it to the last subway
Try to sleep, even for three hours
Come back at 7.00

We’re not done my friend,
Rest well.