She would not survive the night
they claimed
My sister had a business trip.
so I would go
but wondered if I would make it
in time, to whisper goodbye.
Five hours by train, a hectic ride
I found her in time
with a young Somali intern
by her side
dabbing her lips with water.
Waiting, I held her hand
gave the young girl something else to do
I don’t remember what I talked about
while she was sleeping.
I sat for hours, and gradually
I understood
it wasn’t yet to be and left her to the carers.
I had work to do.
Over zoom, I got to smile a few weeks later
just before
my mother died without a single word.
Today we talk about intimate moments at dVerse with Lisa, my mind went to the end of my mother’s life. She had lost her ability to speak, and walk in the end. I spent hours beside her bed waiting…
May 20, 2025
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Bjorn, it hurts to read your poem. I’m sure she heard everything you were saying. The photo you shared is precious. Parents give us their everything, to the best of their ability/capacity.
I am not sure… but maybe my prescence stirred something in her.
Such a very intimate moment, Björn, and very much like the last time I sat with my mother before she died. I love that you alluded to Dylan Thomas’ poem in your title.
Thank you… yes those last moments (or very close ones are special)… and though she made it, for me it was like saying goodbye
Last month my dad passed away and this is so representative of how it was at the end. So very sad but I was at peace with the fact that I was with my dad and he was in a place where he felt happy and safe.
I think it was time for her to leave as well….
All I had hoped for was a peaceful transition to wherever!
A heartfelt write. HUGS
much♡love
Your poem tugged at my heartstrings, Björn.
A beautiful poem about an experience so many can identify with. You’re a tribute to her. ❤
A very sad moment in time sitting with and waiting for our loved one to pass away!
Well written, Bjorn.
These last moments with a loved one, are intimate indeed – whatever is or isn’t communicated with words, you clearly treasured this moment and we are honoured that you shared it with us, poetically, Björn…
Very moving 🥺
Björn, this moved me to tears. So tender but also reflective of the fact that the world goes on around us, even in our most climactic moments.
But the unsaid words reached you…
Dear Bjorn, of course your deeply personal intimate moment poem touched every nerve in my body, our experiences so similar yet uniquely our very own ~ forever and ever. Thank you for sharing, I know she heard and recognized your voice ~~~~~
It’s never easy. You captured the conficting emotions beautifully.
death– so intimate. sacred in a way. your poem expressed it beautifully, bjorn.
Deeply touching, and do eloquently expressed, deservingly so. Poetry like this most fitting, and to be remembered. The myriad of emotions as a reader must be a parallel to those of the writer in some ways.
I am so sorry.
A few years ago…