by Jishi Santos

Created on: November 27, 2010

I left my Dad in bed and shook his hand

and took off to another place to work.

His handshake, always firm, was my last touch,

but when he died I did not shirk

from the duty of seeing he was farewelled

with the dignity he so deserved.

Yes he had died, but I was lucky

to have been spared the pain

of seeing him suffer.

For in truth he was taken swiftly

and had lived to a good age.

You know I am just glad he understood me

before he left and we had watched the football

and played golf together and laughed.

Most important because now I can still see

that broad smile on his face.

Oh surely by divine grace

this death of a parent was kind to me,

and though I have not seen him since

his fine resolve and manners are what I

hope to achieve as I grow older.

Thanks for making me Dad and thanks

for the great life you gave me as a child on the farm,

and now I am looking after your loving wife

as I call me old mum.

And you know what  Dad, she is ninety-two and still

laughing and carrying on your memory.

Oh yes, this death of a parent

was a blessed one Dad.

You couldn't last forever, so farewell old man.

I will always remember you and love you

for you set the example to follow.

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