Rest In Peace

Shortly before his death at 92 years

we talked, my dad and I, of many things.

He had regrets, yes, a few,

but the biggest was a surprise to me.

His momma had taken him to

the beach one sunny summer day.

A day off from her work.

A long hot bus ride.

Money that she couldn’t spare

for the bus fare and for ice cream.

My dad was blissful as kids are.

On the way home his momma asked,

as all mommas do,

did you have a good time?

My dad    

10 years old    

cool    

offhand  

It was OK, I guess.

Here, more than 80 years later

his pain is still fresh. He didn’t

tell her then that it had been

a    wonder   full    day.

I breathed into his ear

Nana knows now, and soon,

you’ll tell her yourself.

That’s OK then, he sighed

and laid his burden down.