Poem from my Father

On the day I don’t awake

will the birds still sing?

will the sun still break the day?

and somewhere life begin?

On the day I don’t awake

Will I have left your side

or am I in that lucid thought

come unbidden in the night?

On the day I don’t awake

If you want to cry, then cry

If you want to laugh, then laugh out loud

then settle on a smile.

and in that smile, see me thus:

as strong as a mountain

as gentle as a dove

as giving as the love of god

and wilful as a child

as courageous as a broken heart that found a way to heal

as honest as the day is long

as determined as a seed seeking light.

see me sailing on a sea of love.

Close your eyes, you’ll see me

Listen closely, and you’ll hear me

Nothing and no one ever really dies

when burning bright in hearts and dreams and minds.