Out and In

Bad news, sit down they say

Grandpa has died today.

 

Tears erupt slowly in mother’s eyes

Magically triggering these young eyes.

 

Soft talking in another room.

Plans are made too soon.

 

In the car minding my place,

I was not allowed in that hidden space.

 

People disappear I hear.

Alive one day, gone the next.

 

Why is it that this must be the plan?

To be busy one day and gone the next.

 

What can I do to escape the “must”?

Eyes forward before becoming dust.

 

Flash forward as learned eyes observe

My father all but gone.

 

At death’s door they say.

Powerless I stare at the hospital bed.

 

Alone suddenly an animal gasp-shriek

Explodes from this stoic brain as legs weaken.

 

I wonder had the unearthly sounds been heard?

I am embarrassed and ashamed of this outburst.

 

In a quiet hall I say a silent goodbye with tears bathing the pain.

Will control and reason return again?

 

I can’t fathom his slow dreadful path to death’s door.

He should have had and deserved much more.

 

Lee