Good Night, Dad

A heartfelt goodbye to my father.

It’s time, the light’s bright.

Can’t keep your eyes open, don’t fight.

I’m here right by your side.

I’ll hold your hand; I’m not tired.

I had so much to tell you; there’s no time.

We had all the time once, but didn’t see it pass.

Strange that all that time’s gone,

Aren’t we all just wandering in circles until the end?

It’s time, but goodbyes are hard.

It would be sad if it wasn’t so hard.

They say you live only one life,

But you’ll live on in the memories you leave.

Remember the times on the river bank?

The setting sun and the birds we'd count?

Taking the canoe to the other side?

I’ll take you there, but leave you on the shore,

Because the mighty river of time flows between us.

Thank you for the lessons, good and bad.

For teaching me to look up, but mind the ground.

Don’t want to say sorry, don’t need to hear that;

Aren’t we all just flawed humans figuring things out.

I know you’re scared, and it’s hard.

I know you’re fighting, but you’re too tired.

It is not weakness to let go, it's love;

The body is a prison for the soul inside.

Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine.

You’re leaving a part of yourself with us.

Don’t be scared, I’ll sing you to sleep.

Look up at the stars, there’s Orion’s belt.

There's the nebula where stars are born.

Maybe one that shines anew is you!

It’s time; I know the light is bright.

I’ll tell them to turn it down,

So you can watch the stars clear.

Good night, Dad.

Author's Note

I wrote this based on my last visit with my father in the ICU. He wasn’t able to speak back, but I’m sure he was listening as I shared these memories and told him it was okay to let go.