(A dedication to the memory of my father)
With forehead pressed against yours
I focused on your breath,
The rise and fall of your chest.
I inhaled the man that you were
Will always be…
Dad,
Granddad,
Hero.
We stood there at your bed
Hearts mingled with joy and sorrow
Faces damp with unending tears
Knowing today
the angels would take you away
We listened, Pandora played
An oh so fitting tune,
“The storm is over now.
No more sickness.
The storm is over now.”
And as the song faded
So did your pulse
As the music ended
A miracle took place
You transitioned
Right before our eyes
So with forehead pressed against yours
I focused on your breath
The rise and fall of your chest
I inhaled the man that you were
Will always be…
Dad,
Granddad,
Hero.
“The storm is over now”
And there is peace.
Clarence G. Collins
1944 – 2012