the last time we share

photo by Lenore F. Zug

the last time we share

there are many   simple things
          that  often  seem mundane
a bed made, a meal fed
a sip of water from a straw

a super-bowl video    
     watched together
a hand held      and a back rubbed
a visit from a loved one

a kiss on the head 
from a sibling, friend or partner
four children standing    beside your bed
a board game and a puzzle

left unfinished

when they are   the last mundane
when actions can   no longer
                             be taken by a father

they sear themselves  into my mind
and force my teary eyes
they stay with me forever
these times we had together

for all the years and hours
we had with one another
i wish they were          so freshly known
so poignantly remembered

as the last time  that   i fed you 
a hotdog   with some ketchup
the last time that i helped you drink
strained water   from a straw
the last time that      i stretched out taught
white cotton sheets    for bedding
the last time that     i might hear 
the rumbling growl
of your quiet      sweet snoring
your gentle half-smile  when you see me

all the last times    that transform 
both the simple
and what so often seems mundane 
into sacred         making holy    
changing this  or that
these simple fleeting things
into times with the most meaning

into that which is    life-giving