My father died
from a gun shot wound
to the head
self-inflicted
Don't get all weird about it.
Fathers die
and their passing
though certain
is rarely easy.
So what can I say of this man
so many years
after his emphatic end?
I can say what Whitman said
of Lincoln:
"O Captain, my Captain.
Rise up and hear the bells."
But he will not.
He was ever-present
wise and alert
a boxer in life
a fighter in every way.
And I grew up with the gloves on
quick
elusive
and thanks to him
successful in every ring.
He died
******* on a lit tobacco stick
Emphysema was gonna
take him down
so he pulled his own trigger
saved his family that way
though that's a longer tale
Therefore
and whereas
this is a belated requiem
for a man I loved.
My Captain.
Dear and departed
these many years
may he rest in peace
as he never rested
in life.