Having it been confirmed I’m entering stage 4 CHF, with preparation for yet another heart operation underway this week for me, my thoughts fall to my father, whom we lost to a heart condition. He was my hero, and to this day, I miss him so very very much.
Deep in nightfall
the darkness now descends
the hands of grief extend
terror is knocking at the door
it’s nightfall
words of sorrow stain my lips
slip through my fingertips
and scatter ‘cross the floor
it’s nightfall
the shadows hide my tears
but I am haunted by my fears
I am broken evermore
here in this nightfall
dark waves of misery
are rising like the sea
I am stranded on the shore
it’s nightfall
I am lost — I am alone
confusion grips me to the bone
grief chills me to my core
it’s nightfall
the darkness still descends
the hands of grief again extend
terror is knocking — knocking at the door
as this knocking echoes in my night
I hear you call my name
“be brave my son — for sure
you have been here before”
I whisper through tears and pain
”father — help me again endure”
*
rob kistner © 2022
Poetry at: dVerse
Very powerful Rob. Grief can overwhelm us.
Thank you Kerfe…!
A heartfelt piece, Rob. At this dusk of life, the feeling of being swallowed up can be overwhelming at times. Love the song as well!
Thank you so much Dwight…!
Rob, your father’s voice, from beyond passing, reaches back to comfort you. May your surgeon’s hand be steady and your father’s presence keep you calm.
Thank you Lisa.
Very emotional… but your father’s comfort is a blessing!
Yes it is Dana, and I have been through this before — he will be with me.
Very powerful Rob mate, very powerful….all best thoughts and wishes go to you…..
Thank you Ain, and I hope you are well and safe my friend!
A beautiful tribute to your father and accompanied by that Luther Vandross song that always gets me.
Sending good and healing thoughts to you for your surgery, Rob.
Thank you Sascha, very much.
Yesterday was a tough one for me … the anniversary of my Father’s death in 1958. I read your poem once silently, another time aloud .. in tribute to him. Thank you.
Hope it brought you some comfort Helen.