OUR LAST LAUGH
you are quiet for a minute
but I know you are scheming
gathering your forces.
it takes concentration to figure out how you are going
to get out of here and silence.
you can't be tangled up in these useless sheets.
gowns, pads, pillows are banished from your bed.
you need nothing but intention to make your getaway,
as soon as you can get your balance.
steady.
"I love you, Daddy," I interrupt
feedback looping over and over
what has gone before, not knowing what comes
after your schemes inevitably
fail.
"I love you, too."
Responding patiently, forgiving me for distracting you from life's
most urgent task.
"But I had hoped," I say, "to go to my own deathbed
without ever seeing your penis."
And there it is, one last time.
Ha HAH!
your voice is full of approval,
acknowledging our helplessness in the face
of truth.
"I guess now I can say I've seen everything,"
I continue as if one more punchline can rescue you
from what is about to come.
Punchline - lifeline. Don't make me draw you a picture.
You smile. "Yes, you can."
Agreeably, eyes closed, far beyond our reach.
You are still laughing.