Ray Dillard Poet Free verse

Final Day 3-1-02

The phone had us on our feet
   In the middle of the night. 
It was Dennis, “Dad just passed…”
   We each made calls and gathered
So we could go tell Mom together.  

Were his organs riddled with cancer?
   Was it diabetes, or was it his heart?
They all had played a part.

We carried Mom to see her Beau
  Held her by the hand with tissues
For us all and started final plans.
   Made calls. Signed papers.
….And looked for Morris.

Maybe he needed privacy.
   Everyone has a different way
Of handling their grief.
   We found him at the empty bed
Dad’s pillow at his face.

His scent lingered in the linens
   Giving one chance to remember
Something we had long forgotten—
   Something natural and tender
Links a parent and a child

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Andrea Dietrich March 22, 2014 at 1:17 AM I see congratulations are in order. And I enjoyed seeing this telling of a time in your life very sad. I love that line about his scent in the linens. A very poignant touch.

Poet Destroyer A March 19, 2014 at 4:12 PM Ray. Congratulations in "Kelly D's Heart And Soul, contest." Always & Forever *XOX* LINDA

Sara Kendrick March 19, 2014 at 2:13 PM Emotive winning work..Sara

Dr.Ram Mehta March 19, 2014 at 1:22 AM Congratulations on the fine win, enjoyed yoiur write on Heart and soul, ray

Skat A March 18, 2014 at 10:16 PM Ray, you put A lot of Heart And Soul into your writing, enjoyed your winning poem.... Love ~SKAT~

Carrie Richards March 18, 2014 at 3:35 PM All these poems linked together, reminded me so much of my own experience with my Dad, ......it is a journey I am so familiar with, very very similar to yours. A very moving, and touching human story you have written, my friend. Thank you for sharing your tears, but I think it helps others to know it is part of the circle of life we all must face one day. God Bless..

Kelly Deschler March 18, 2014 at 3:19 PM This poem was so heartfelt and the emotion was expressed very well. A great write, Ray! Congratulations on your win in my contest! :)

Painted Hunter March 18, 2014 at 2:56 PM Ray, i don't get emotional very often, but i was damn near moved to tears after reading all these. You captured something here....I still don't know what to say. Well done, Ray.

Robert Pettit March 17, 2014 at 12:02 AM Reminds me of the day I learned my father passed away. That was a little over five years ago. You have described your personal sad experience quite well.