POEM - A VISIT FROM MY FATHER

My Father came to see me just the once.

Stood silent by my bed

And by his presence called me from my sleep.

Smiled he? I cannot say.

He seemed content to stand and watch me lie.

And lay I there and cried.

Wordless spoke he: there, there; there, there.

And I put forth my hand

Into the dark where silently he stood

And gently took my hand.

Then he was gone and also gone the years

Of grieving since his death.