uncommon bard composition necromancy 

Cast [R] verbal; Trigger A creature's dying condition would reach the value at which they would die.

Range 60 feet; Targets the triggering creature

Your ode temporarily staves off death. The target's dying condition remains 1 below the value at which it dies. This doesn't help prevent death from effects that kill the target without increasing its dying condition, such as disintegrate and death effects.

Advanced Player’s Guide, page 228.