Final Decision

by Brian Mosher

His doctor’s call raised us 
from not-quite sleep, 
“Come now
if you want to say
good-bye.” 

Ever he had carried us 
on slender shoulders— 
taxi-driver or batting practice pitcher— 
no matter how tired 
from a day at the factory. 

And now, as when we were children, 
tucking us in warm and clean 
before putting himself to bed, 
he had waited until we were 
safely out of sight, 
before letting go of life.