I let my feet drag along
the square-tiled floor,
shuffling along,
but maybe all along I’ve been
suffering.
The basil green lockers in rows
like candle wicks
surrounding a bath of soap beads.
I know you’ve been
haunting above me,
watching my every fluctuation.
You won’t tell me
the thoughts that fly through your brain,
like the blood flowing through my veins,
because the body your soul was contained in
is buried seven feet deep.
I made sure to give you an extra foot
so you would be more comfortable.
Are you watching me
as I do the sins
you did to create my father,
who created me,
so I can create someone who
you would consider great?
It brings tears to my blue eyes
that you won’t be here
to see with your blue eyes
the great life I will eventually bring into humanity
because He had to take you away,
and cause your breaths to raggedly dissipate.
I would count the wrinkles on your milky white hands
as our family counted the days rip away
and we would listen to the ticks of each second passing by
as all of us waited for the final moment of your life on earth,
and your migration with the birds to a place above the clouds.
Has your chest slowed back down to the pace
of a healthy man?
Mine has rapidly increased.
I count the popcorn bumps on my ceiling,
waiting until I reach the number of days
it will take until I’m back with you once more
somewhere.