Psychopomp

“Psychopomp”

The silencing of the ventilator was deafening,

I adjusted his pillow, freshened the linens, 

only the soft rustling of the crisp white sheets

and the muted tones of the EKG and oximeter

betrayed the solemnity of the isolation room.

His demise, not the first I would bear witness to,

not the first dying hand I would hold,

not the first painfully alone veteran

I would have the honor to usher to his end,

but Niko’s passing was so inherently different.

His hand was shockingly cold, nailbeds blue

turning darker as the oximeter logged

the downward spiral of his oxygen reserves,

but his grip was noticeable, like a tired child’s

as he’s led half asleep to his bed.

His face was expressionless, no apparent pain,

his breathing deep and erratic,

his heart beat agonizingly slow and irregular.

Only minutes now. An audible gasp.

His hand opened slowly and closed again

Tighter, like that of an old, dear friend.

It became perceptibly warmer, veins fuller.

His lips parted into the slightest sliver of a smile.

A presence, a visitation, undeniable

to my sixth sense in it’s reality, it’s humanity.

The last contraction of his failing heart,

a strange squiggle preceding ___________.

I looked to the clock for the time of death,

noticing a weird, eccentric shadow

tucked tightly into the corner of the room,

Like a tall obelisk with a winged head

in profile, the face long, sharp and angular,

a bizarre sculpture of shadow and light.

As quickly as I noticed it, it was gone.

Years later I learned of Hermes, 

the messenger of the Gods of Greek lore,

possessing winged feet and head to fly

between the earth, heavens and underworld.

A psychopomp, a gentle guide of the soul,

kindly taking the hand of the deceased,

tenderly leading them to their eternal rest.

My lips parted into the slightest sliver of a smile.

"Psychopomp" was constructed from an antique tin-clad over wood mask from Africa and vintage cobbler's shoe forms mounted on an antique, hand carved sailmaker's fid with a 19th century, puzzle constructed hat form designed for making berets. The natural patina of each component was maintained and sealed with a clear acrylic.