TIME IS SO SHORT

LOSS

 TIME IS SO SHORT

His head lay flatter on the pillow

his blond hair more matted 

and lifeless 

than I had ever seen it.

He was holding my hand 

but for some time 

his muscles had loosened. 

His eyes were closed--

asleep 

or merely drifting?

I looked at him 

and remembered 

such shouting joy and laughter 

wisecracking 

and

love and affection. 

He used to take 

a running leap 

into my arms 

even as he was growing up. 

He used to kiss me 

hello 

or goodbye 

no matter who might be looking 

and disapproving.

He was worried 

when I was upset 

angry when I was unfair 

quick to acknowledge it 

when I was giving and approving 

infuriating 

when I needed rest 

and supporting  

when I felt myself falling.

His eyes fluttered open. 

He gripped my hand again and said

"Daddy

I'm so afraid 

of where I will go 

when I die." 

I held my breath and said 

"Grandma and Grandpa 

will be with you 

and they would never 

let you hurt again."

No more wisecracks 

warm kisses 

and hugs. 

No more anger 

and shrieks 

and no more warmth 

and smiles.

He closed his eyes again 

and we both died.

Author's Note

What feelings and thoughts ome to mind?

Reviews

[slfisher89]

The details in the first stanza creates a clear image of the scene. Like the unique phases of "shouting joy" and "wisecracking laughter." A parent's lost of a child is such a jarring concept; it strikes even a unconnected empathetic one