The call was sudden in its cold raw terror They said my father’s heart had stopped still They were trying everything to revive him But I should be there before the morning chill I never had to try so deep and hard To get so very little done or said I just longed for him to want to reach out But found myself clutching distance instead Life signs might someday stop Even worse, change then tear apart Tonight beside me you are barely breathing While my hand rests softly near your heart A hug from arms open wide and warm Or a smile that only I could see Might have been a child built kingdom A mansion of wishes for a poor kid like me I’ll forgive you the sins of confrontation If you’ll forgive me the anger of my youth Accept this peace that I at last now offer A gift of a child more aware of grown up truths Life signs will someday stop Even worse, change then fall apart Tonight beside me you are barely breathing While my hand rests softly near your heart The doctor says the old man’s heart has stabilized By tomorrow the two of us can sit and talk I’m checking midnight airline schedules Packing the only bag that I brought
