Dad

Afraid he’s passed away?
Oh, thank you.
Well…
that’s ok.

You see…
we thought he might.
He wasn’t meant
to last the night.

Or so they said last time.
We waited…
but he was fine.

We hung around and watched him eat
and take, like Lazarus,
to his feet.

We talked of spring, avoided death
and willed him on
with every breath.

We looked into each other’s eyes
and smiled.
Not great at saying goodbyes.

And now you’re telling me he’s dead.
No…
surely?

Have you checked his shed?