Daddy

You held my hand and showed me the wonder of the world
how blue the sky was, how fun it was to swing SO HIGH

You held my hand when no one else was there
and made me feel ok with the decision i had to make.

You held my hand when I got married
and made sure I didn’t fall when I almost fainted

You held my hand when we gave mom’s ashes to the sea
on the way to Alaska, where you two had planned to go.

You held my hand as a peace came over you
as you breathed you last breath and your hand slipped from mine.

for Ralph 1935 – 1999