Loss

25th anniversary of my fathers death

You took a drink
it was ice water,
an expression of pain
as you tilted your head back,
and the glass fell to the floor.

I rushed to you,
my heart already breaking.
With unknown strength,
I lifted you from the chair,
laid you on the floor,
and knelt by your side.

My hand on your cheek,
Please, please don’t leave me.

I saw a miracle
Your face of nearly seventy years
took on the features of a newborn
I could almost see your soul leave your body
as you ceased to move through life.

Oh Daddy, how I miss you still.