victim soul

if i could breathe for you,
i would.

if i could take on your suffering,
it would be mine to receive,
gratefully.

i sit bedside and watch you, trusting in
God's mercy.

i remain silent in prayer as you sleep, beseeching
His grace.

it is felt deep within that you
are not far from the Cross and that you,
my dear mother,
are sharing in His very suffering.

i solemnly aver, dear one, that
i would become your personal victim's soul
if it would mean
your agony could be alleviated
if only for a moment.

then i, too,
would be united with Jesus in the same way,
and you, dear one,
could sit vigil at my
bedside.