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.