To My Regal One-my soul mate-who has now
rejoined his brother, in a place where the red fern grows.
Take him softly, Death,
when you finally steal him from me,
When you lift him in your embrace,
do so mercifully,
Please assume some pleasing form,
so that he will not fear to go,
Use soft, enticing speech,
so he will not hesitate to follow,
Surround him with a silent peace,
stave off all pain and fear,
Let him feel the presence,
of a loved one very near,
Enfold him in your protective wings,
Wipe away his hurt and pain,
Erase all memories of harm,
so that only peace will remain,
For he is so well loved,
I hold him very dear,
I cannot bear the thought,
of those soft eyes filled with fear,
Be quick and without pain,
ease his long suffering,
Handle him with tenderness,
as you tuck him under your wing,
Cradle him gently in you arms,
as I was wont to do,
But my care, it seems, is no longer enough,
so I must give him over to you,
Speak softly to him when you near,
smooth his cheek with your hand,
Whisper sweet promises of love and health,
when he arrives in that other land,
Dearly missed loved ones await him there,
of these joyful reunions you must remind,
So that in departing he will not worry,
for those loved ones he leaves behind,
Treat him with special compassion,
lovingly kiss his face,
For when I can no longer do so,
you must take my place,
Comfort him in those final moments,
lest he feel lost or lonely,
Hold him close to protect him,
and whisper soothingly,
He is my sweet beloved,
of all I love him best,
So I beg you Death, be gentle,
thus granting my only request,
Fill his soul with a quiet peace,
as you bear him across that line,
Tend him and cherish him greatly,
as I did when he was mine,
Take him while he is sleeping,
in the midst of a beautiful dream,
so his spirit may quietly cross,
that unfathomable, timeless stream,
Let him finally have true rest,
from all life's toil and care,
Guide him to a place,
where in endless joy he can share,
Let his brother's familiar voice,
guide him along the way,
Release him in some Elysian field,
where together they may play,
Then Death, I ask one favor more,
once you have set him free,
Help to ease another fatal pain-
fly swiftly back for me.