Do you think you can manage?
I have to.
How long this will go on for?
Some said days, others weeks.
My dad lay in his bed,
Pneumonia adding to his suffering
His breathing laboured
Oxygen his saviour.
Each day I came.
Held his hand, talked the news
The world, sport, who won, who lost
The latest scandal, who died.
In reaching for my hand
Initially uncomfortable,
Roles reversed, he needs me,
To stay and comfort him.
Hour after hour, his discomfort palpable
He slips in the bed, lift, slide, struggle
Feed him his breakfast, lunch and tea
Slowly he eats what he can.
Home each evening, rest up,
Resolve to be back for breakfast
Another day, breath gasping
Fear in his eyes, he knows his end is near.
Day five, I fear what I’ll find
The strain is taking its toll
No one should suffer like this
But I know he needs me, I go.
He is showered, dressed, shaved
He looks his best all week,
I feed him breakfast,
He eats hungrily, as if expecting.
We sit; I hold his hand, our standard routine
He nods to having a bet on Saturday
A man arrives brings communion
Is he ready now?
My resolve is being tested
Trying to be brave, strong, supportive
He looks at me, struggles another breath
Grips my hand, I see a change.
My dad faded suddenly away
With grace he stopped living.
My satisfaction
I hung in there with him.
Written for: http://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/prompt-50-grim-determination/
Morpethroad 
Powerful moving, heart-breaking and beautiful thank you for sharing Michael
Thanks Yves, this was a challenging prompt. Well chosen.
Oh Michael, I felt your pain in your words, heartbreaking. How hard it is to be brave, the strength we need. Your love is profound, your love for your dad..what a son or child has to do…you did good mate…you did good. Hugs.
Thank you Jenny, thankfully as I only had one dad I won’t ever have to do it again. Thanks again for your lovely comment.
The comment is from my heart, I think you know that. He is very proud of the man you are.
I think he was too. Thank you.
Beautiful.
Thank you so much. Please call again.
So poignant and such strength, in both you and your dad. It was beautiful in it’s simplicity, Michael.
Thank you Jackie, a trying time but rewarding in it’s own way.
woow, great text and you really found the right words for strength.
~ Tina
Thanks so much Tina, a time in my life where I had to step up.
Powerful! very moving poem!! 🙂 🙂
Thanks heel appreciate your comment. A hard time for me but I learnt a lot about myself from the experience.
Another powerful emotional charge writing
Thank you Kim, I appreciate you reading my posts, thank you for your kind comments.
This is so moving and beautiful, Michael. True love, blessings, Oliana xx
Thank you Oliana, thank you for the lovely comment.
I had not seen this prompt…now that I’m more organized with the dates of all of the menageries’ schedule on my page, I have some catching up to do. Your poem reminded me of a my dad too.
Lovely that you could connect.
🙂
{Hugs}
Thanks mate, (hugs) back at you.