For my Father

The following verses were written just before...and then after my father died on June 2nd, helping to deal with my grief. Although the whole experience was emotionally exhausting, and I miss my father's "presence" in my life; there were aspects that were intensely interesting to me, provoking introspection like nothing else has before in my life. In addition to poetry, I have been documenting my journey and will include excerpts in future posts.

Don't despair
words not spoken
You speak to me
with your eyes
You draw me near
to hear your longing
Don't fear
that I don't understand
I do
You love me
and I love you
I always have
and always will
So now
Rest peacefully
and be still...

One More Time

I came to spend
the night-time hours
by your side
one more time
hoping to warm your heart
hoping as well
to warm mine.

I wanted to hold
your hand
and walk with you a while
one more time
hoping to see your smile
hoping as well
that you'd see mine.

But, I just missed you
Still, I felt
the warmth
as I kissed you
goodbye.