The heart stops beating
and gravity takes hold,
the red cells sinking
as the blood runs cold.
Sinking through the flesh
to rest in cavities,
congealing where it pools
and staining extremities.

Lividity,
black and blue,
post-mortem bruising
as the blood breaks through.
Death had begun
and the on-sent of decay,
decomposition
as the life-force drains away.

Soul will fly
away with mind,
corporeal form
will be left behind.
The earthbound vessel
will be left to rot,
becoming livid
as the blood begins to clot.