It's hard to Let Go

On Christmas day before he died,
I went home to visit my dad.
The house was full of family, 
our mood was quite somber and sad.

We drifted in and out the room,
where he lay dying in his bed.,
Each of us sharing memories,
saying the words that needed said.

Those last days perhaps the hardest,
as death became reality.
We made the promise to ourselves,
to hold on to his memories.

We were grasping for any hope,
all my brothers, sisters, and me.
We had not yet convinced ourselves,
it was time to let him be free.

Be free to hunt that long coon hunt,
that will never come to an end.
To dance his jig among his friends,
to lie beside his wife again.

Goodbye my beloved father,
in my heart you will always be.
Place a kiss on my mother’s cheek,
and tell her that it is from me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

De Beaulieu Avatar
March 14, 2024 at 12:30 PM
Hello Jerry Brotherton, Your father will be always in your heart. Watching over you. blessings my friend. /Darlene/
Mcintosh Avatar
March 9, 2024 at 5:14 PM
Love this so. God bless you, friend. love, Gina
Gifford Avatar
March 5, 2024 at 8:16 AM
I am sorry about the question marks not sure how that happened.
Gifford Avatar
March 5, 2024 at 8:12 AM
I am sorry about the question marks not sure how that happened.
Gifford Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 9:47 AM
Touchingly very sad. Nicely done.??
Cunningham Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 12:22 PM
Lovely tribute to your father Jerry, when I got the call from the care home I drove as quick as I could but sadly my father had already passed away. Even when you know it's coming it's still a shock. Tom
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Yes, you are right. Fortunately, he spend his final months at home with my sister. So we had the opportunity to see him. Sorry for the loss of your father, and you are right. It is still a shock.
Sands Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 11:52 AM
Wow Jerry. This is so special. An excellent poem that reaches me deeply. A Fave for me!
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:40 PM
Thank you my friend for your kind comment and for the fav.
Meadows Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 12:37 AM
Such a beautiful poem and tribute to your dad. It is hard when we loose someone close to us. They always remain in our hearts. Well written.
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:38 PM
Thank you, Jeanette.
Greenhough Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 9:53 PM
A sad poem. In his life, your dad appears to have had a lot of love. Death is hard. This was a good poem of tribute to your father.
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:37 PM
Thank you, Hilda. When we wrote his obituary, he had 15 kids, 57 grandkids, 20 great grandkids and 7 great-great grandkids.
Wolf Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 8:14 PM
You made me cry, doggone it. Great tribute, Jerry. Right into my FAVES. Thanks, Gershon
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:35 PM
Thank you for the wonderful words and for the fav. Sorry about the tears.
Xiang Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 7:02 PM
If I can be so crass, it's an amazing poem despite the painful letting go. Death is only a human construct. I'll be dancing a jog for him also. Bravo.
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:34 PM
Thank you Triny.
Situation Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 6:45 PM
I wasn't present at my fathers death, but I was there before he died. I think I'm suffering the same with mother. And I do not cry the disguise.
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:33 PM
So sorry for your loss, my friend. Letting go is a hard thing to do.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace