I walked to see the sunset on a high hill today.

In my 62 years, these the first steps

I’ve taken without him being here.

 

At first he took care of me.

Lately I’ve taken care of him. 

But mostly he took care of himself.

 

I climb the hill and realize

the term “hollow steps”.

 

I look in the window of a nursing home

where he spent some time.

It always seemed depressing before but

hobbled seniors today look vibrant.

 

Earlier today a van carried his body away. 

I saluted to the captain in Eisenhower’s

headquarters in Germany. Coming to rest.

 

I walk the hill alone and cry.

Feel a new alone.

 

His smile won people over,

even when that was all he had left.

 

A profound sunset greets me at the top. 

The last light on Dad’s last day.

 

I will climb this hill again and call it “Dad’s Walk”.

May my footsteps carry all the lessons

he lived to pass on to me.

 

And may I try to add one or two for my sons.