Breath of Life

Pale blue eyes watch over me
as my black sandals click on the hardwood floor.
I spin around, the white petals of my Easter dress
swirling around my small legs.

You watch with a smile you can barely muster
because of the cancer that spreads
like the wings of a butterfly over your chest.
I wish you could see me now.

Older, and wiser because of you.
Back then I didn't know of death, I couldn't imagine the concept.

You taught me that, you showed me what it was like.
On that bed you lay, the sounds of machines
around you, the song of life.
And as I spun around in front of you

you lifted your arms to me in an embrace,
the only memory I have of you left.
 
And as I wrapped my small body into yours
I felt your leathery skin on my cheek and heard
your whispers of love breathe life
into me...but how could I know

that the life you were giving me was your own?
I wish you had saved your last breath,
then maybe you would still be here,
still be able to see me grow.

How was I supposed to know that would be
the last time we were ever to meet?

I was too young to realize, after you disappeared,
how much I would miss you.