Dutiful Son
You lived a hard life,
but you did the best you could, Dad.
You made some bad decisions,
and grew old before your time, Dad.
I sat vigil in that room,
at the hospital all alone, Dad.
To your bedside I was called,
by the nurse when you were dying, Dad.
I held your fragile hand,
and whispered in your ear, Dad.
I reminded you of a boat trip,
we took when I was young, Dad.
I described the Green River,
on that sunny day we shared, Dad.
I said “your work is done”,
and “it is time to let go”, Dad .
You took your last breath,
and you died in my arms, Dad.
We spread your ashes in the garden,
just the way you asked, Dad.
I kept some for myself,
not knowing why, but we weren’t done, Dad.
One night I sat beside my bed,
and held you to my heart, Dad.
I had a vision the next day,
and I knew what must be done, Dad.
I flew across the country,
with you packed in my bag, Dad.
Then, I drove for three hours,
with you in the seat beside me, Dad.
We talked and worked things out,
and I had good cry, Dad.
I took you to Green River,
and there we said goodbye, Dad.
