long reluctant retreat

(rengö)

 

My father, as he

aged, became bitter, yearning

for his youthful strength

and stamina.  Growing old

was cruel, an odious joke.

 

So when the doctor

said cancer, my father saw

an escape from age,

loss, decay, futility.

He almost welcomed the end.

 

He was a well-loved

man, and he loved easily

and deeply.  We begged

him to fight the disease, but

he could not, and he would not.

 

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. So sad and emotional. First of all sorry for your loss. Secondly some people want to depart this world and can't take all the pain baggage that come with old age. At least he lived a fulfilling life I hope and achieved great things. Now you all or one of you have to carry the torch...Thank you for sharing...:)

[annie lee]

Sami, thank you for your kind words.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)

[Teeya]

Sometimes our loved ones hold on longer than they should for our sakes and they allow their pain to come second to ours. I found peace in my grandmother's passing when I realized the weight of us on her shoulders left no room for her to relieve her pain to anyone else, so God loved her enough to take her because she knew we wouldn't let her go. I'm sorry for your loss and I hope knowing that your Father is with our Father is the thought that brings you peace.

[annie lee]

Thank you for your kind words.

[J. J. Nightingale]

.. Sorry for your loss....

Jazz

[annie lee]

Thank you. It has been several years since Dad passed, and I find as I age, I understand his frustration more. He is rarely out of my thoughts.

[J. J. Nightingale]

My Mother passed in May of this year .... so I can relate .. You r welcome ..

Jazz