Notes About The Poem

I held my father's hand as he lay dying in his hospice bed. When he passed, I glanced over at the Victrola where he had played his beloved 78 records for years.

The Last Cinder

As blood and flush are falling
through my father's face, gauzy
sheet of death folding over, I
know that I have lost him -- his
sorrow, joy and fire gone out --
leaving but one cinder on the
Victrola.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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George Avatar
June 22, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Hi Moon Harp, this is a touching remembrance of your father's final hours. It is a breath chocking moment for any daughter or son.
Onclaud Avatar
June 20, 2026 at 9:58 PM
i am moved by this sensitive write...may you find comfort in this trying time, moon...huggs
Harp Avatar
June 21, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Thank you, Nette. I felt privileged to be there with my father as he made his transition. Amazing. Moon Harp
Rodrigues Avatar
June 20, 2026 at 7:46 PM
So sorry for your loss! A touching poem!
Harp Avatar
June 20, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Thank you, Kim. We all inherited some of Dad's 78 records, and my sister inherited the Victrola!
Harp Avatar
June 20, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Thank you, Kim. We all inherited some of Dad's 78 records, and my sister inherited the Victrola!
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