Papa
"Hey baby" you said as I came in
Running to tackle-hug you in
the green velvety lounge chair
nearly tipping you over
Your cheeks ruddy with laughter as you taught me how to
swim
make paper airplanes
speak the secret language of animals
My very own Dr. Dolittle, whose ruddy cheeks turned to
ash
shaky limbs
and confusion
"It'll help" they said
"Time" they said
"It was the best option" they said
But.
You were never the same, sinking into the haze
While I got ready for a new chapter
See, cancer doesn't care where you are in the story
It doesn't care that you have reached the pinnacle of your own
It only cares about
turning
the last
page.