~After the Stroke~

stroke father’s eyes plead without words before the aid car neighbors watch his door stretcher carries him outside this private old man old man after stroke brushes tears from blinded eyes one useful hand same sunny smile bright blue eyes no longer see but he knows my voice grandpa after stroke strains to catch a memory grandson lost in fog father after stroke sheds tears of joy and sorrow new ability ocean fog obscures old blind man knows direction hears familiar shores stroke dims memory old man still knows his Saviour cold grave holds no fear father after stroke plays left hand harmonica eighty-eight years brave old man after stroke whistles countless melodies lyrics lost in fog over eighty years strength marks my father’s days when did he grow small? so strangely idle wrinkles loose on gnarled joints father’s weakened hands old man after stroke still merry smile but blind eyes do not see our tears now he nears his death one who gave me life and love how to think good-bye his withered form waits nearly a friend by now death walks slowly fire word I cannot burn aloud good-bye pain left behind his spirit transcends this world my father is free © Rosemary J. Gwaltney 1999~2004 All Rights Reserved      Dedicated to the memory of my wonderful, loving father, Donald Curtis Miller ~ born: Feb. 26th. 1914. Survived a massive stroke on Oct. 27th. 1997 Died on June 15yh. 2002, after a second stroke. My father's spirit is at peace. Free at last, he's with his Heavenly Father, Whom he loves with all of his heart. Mist Index html done by D. W. Graffix