zenscription

my father, once again
enters my mind
most recently
by leaving
this world

so much he's given
i cannot call
his passing
into the next life
my loss
but my gain

dad dying
was the early
corking of a great wine
and the taste i got
made each sip precious
especially knowing
time was limited

i got to know him most
in his last months
when i took care of him
and played parent
feeding and clothing
talking late into old Akron nights
holding his hand
holding back tears
holding on

i have the rest
of my natural life
to mourn
my gain