I Lay Me Down

(For Dad ... I love you and miss you, and time doesn't help) ~ Of all the loved ones chosen for that final task that saints abhor, I wouldn't head your list, I'm sure - your eyes, then staring, empty ... I sat beside your deathbed, lone, and counted each dry, rattled moan, the hours ached for seeds, unsown - with your eyes staring, empty ... Why was I chosen for this fate that put your end upon my plate? a blessing, dear, but FAR too late - now that your eyes stare, empty ... No more, your prince of ill demands I walked you God-ward, hand-in-hand, there are no footprints in the sand - just eyes still staring, empty ... Soft lullabies, I sang you, tender, meant to quell a well-earned bender, closeness stamped "Return To Sender" - dear eyes just staring, empty ... You squeezed my hand, then let it go, let one last breath out, long and slow, though you had left us LONG ago - with your eyes staring, empty ... At night, I lay me down to sleep and pray the nightmares never creep, still, what I find there, dark and deep - are eyes still staring, empty ... Your sparkling eyes ... now empty.