Dismissed
A plume of smoke
Catches my throat
Mother’s Marlboro’s
Still a fast friend
She worries as if she is paid
Grappling for his hand
Her chatter is incessant
Yet nothing is said
A chasm parts us
Sure as the red sea is red
The room holds and aged man
Whose breath is running out
Each one heavy labored
How will I live without
Charged with enduring days
Optimistic till the end
He is my father
Always my best friend
Time is short
Days are long
He is ready to be dismissed
To end his life’s song
Weary, I am home
1:00 a.m. I get the call
Relief, regret
Dismissed he does fall