Father's Farewell
As I stood by my Father's bedside,
watching his life flicker away.
It occurred to me that life's long ride
comes down to just one day.
Everything funneled into a single breath,
one last touch from a hand.
Then eyes close to greet death
as soul glides across golden span.
My mind raced to remember all,
to separate from the blend.
Every moment to recall,
the beginning to the end.
My hand swallowed up in his hand,
as we walked on a child's path.
Or rode on shoulders broad and grand,
while in all his attention did I bask.
As the rebellious years began,
wisdom he tried to impart.
In my mistakes I took my stand,
while his love stood strong in heart.
It would take me becoming a father
and living through a parent's fright.
The ups and downs of two sons and a daughter,
to realize in it all he was right.
Now as the family gathers for farewell
and places father next to mother in the ground.
What he left me I am proud to tell,
a code and a standard no greater found.
9/23/18
Copyright © Wren Rushing | Year Posted 2018
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