My Dad

A warm beating heart easing ear’s hurt,
Hand patting gentle and slow
Till we both half slumber
cuddled in one chair,

Deep voice rumbling and thrumming
With song half said and half singing,
With my aching head and kid-sticky sweat
Gluing us both to a half dreaming sleep.

I wonder if you knew sometimes
That my ear did not ache so much as
My dreams made me cry and need
A warm beating heart and rumbled story
to ease my aching mind.

And now, with your heart beating
(But now my heart breaking)
Your mind is the aching
And too full with the invader’s reach.

That I fear that too soon,
My dreams will tear at me,
And my ears ache once more,
But there will be no more smokey hand,
Nor heart with thumping ease
Nor mind to tell stories to drive out
Errant thought and fear.

And your children will be alone.

Your wife will be alone.

And we will only know ease as we know
There is One is large enough to hold you
On His lap,
And pat gently on your back
As you lay your head on His loving heart.

Me

I missed the anniversary of my dad's death. Just as well, as I'd rather celebrate his life.