quiet…
hum of a heater…
winter has settled…
only ashes remain…

is there someone in the backroom…
no dad…
mom’s not back there…
no…

the Old Testament sits on the table…
Yankee Candle…
Indian blankets cover torn chairs…
he’s waiting for you…

she’s not with us anymore…is she…
no dad…
didn’t go to the store…
no…

pictures of Amish kids playing…
baskets on counters…
a vase…
old sausage grinder…

where’d she go…
gone dad…
gone…
passed-on…

dogs silently wait by a closed door…
closed blinds…
tis morn…
the sun waits…

shame…
yes dad…
she’s left…
yes…shame…

dryer buzzer sounds…
clock ticks…
small light blinks…
day begins…

I’m ready…
for what dad…
to see her…
can you wait…

quiet…
hum of a heater…
winter has settled…
only ashes remain…

no…
can’t hold-out…
don’t wanna…
goodbye dad…