Traveling Light
Oh Dad, I still wish you realized how much,
I longed throughout life to garner your touch ...
Just a spare arm to steady me, here-or-there,
Or maybe a tousle to mess up my hair ...
A shoulder-ride wouldn't have been such a stretch,
An hour for fishing or a quick game of catch ...
Taken by hand for a walk on the beach,
With a pat on the back and a lesson to teach ...
Maybe high-fives after baskets with you,
Or just, (god forbid), an embrace-or-two ...
Perchance, a soft touch to blot a stray tear,
Alas, how I brooded on, year-after-year!
But, now that you've lost your volition to live,
My resentment is waning for what you can't give.
So I make the decision to push it away,
And go to your bedside to quietly pray ...
I know you won't realize that it's me nearby,
So I settle my head on your chest ... and I cry.
My tears wet your t-shirt, and yet, you don't know,
As I sob and I whisper, "I can't let you go" ...
I know there's a reason, but it gives me the slip,
Why you're leaving this way, slowly losing your grip ...
As brilliant a person as I've ever known,
With temper and faculties now nearly gone ...
You don't seem to notice that I'm even there,
So I tell you I love you and rise from my chair ...
I straighten your pillow, you give me a sigh,
(I've bugged you again), my eyes are now dry ...
I let go your hand, when my visit is done ...
To my shock, you hold on, "I love you, my son".
I turn back around - kiss your forehead goodnight ...
"Please, watch over him, Lord ... he's traveling light."
~ 1st Place ~ in the "What Do Your Children, Parents Or Best Friend Mean To You" Poetry Contest, Jeff Kantor, Sponsor.
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