Dismissed

     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