Why?

He cried.

That was the first and only time

I had seen him cry,

He yelled and begged me not to.

I told him it was time.

The next time I saw him,

he only saw a broken piece

of the little girl he loved so dearly,

a crushed remembrance of what I could have been.

To him, he had lived his full life,

The cancer has spread, the doctor

called it just weeks,

and I was the only match.

I didn’t listen to him

and gave him my bone marrow,

with the payment of any chance of

playing in college.  

Why? He mumbled through the tears,

as if there was no valid reason

to why I would have given up my future

for someone such as him.

Because when I was 7, you made sure

you were at every practice.

Because when I was 8, you sold your business

to make sure you were there for me.

Because when I was 11, you wouldn’t let me

roam the mall by myself.

Because when I was 13, you persuaded me

to wear longer shorts and I yelled at you.

Because when I was 16, you got your nails done

with me when my boyfriend dumped me.

Because when I was 18, you helped me move

college and told me you were proud.

Because you showed me integrity and loyalty.

Because you supported me through my worst and celebrated with me at my best.

Because you molded me into who I am.

Because you loved me unconditionally.

Because I owe everything I am and own to you.

Because I needed you and couldn't let you go.

Why?

Because I love you.