we sat in your bed
your hand
resting on my shoulder
The Godfather was playing
your lungs did not syncopate to the gun shots
for now
being with you could
make suffering bearable
I lingered by your side
I wanted to heal you
it was not the tears of your mother
nor the confusion of your daughter
it was the idea
that we would be fine
long after
you were gine
you would not see me
at 18
graduating from high school
you would not see me
at 22
graduating from college
but there you were
when I was 9
and I had to use a machine
to help me breathe
you lost sleep
but you watched over me
there you were
when I was 10
and had to be rushed
to the emergency room
there you were
when I was 12
and fractured my ankle
and was in a cast the whole summer
by my side
you remained
every single day of my life
helping me bear my pain
I only wish I could return the favor
I possess the resolve
to collect my bearings
bury the anecdotes of our life together
your unconditional love got me this far
I live now to make new memories for you
seantcjwriting 