One Lasting Lesson

One Lasting Lesson
By Nancy Rodriquez

I thought I had it all figured out,
in a stubborn and insensitive way,
today, attending your viewing, I feel like
a louse,
and this revelation has given me new things
to say,
I had judged you incorrectly,
I must plea a thousand pardons for,
this realization hit me assuredly,
and it has changed me to the core,
I have searched my soul completely,
and my tears are flowing  like a river,
at the thought of being bitter or blaming others is
not how it should  be,
taking people for granted should be over,
they may be gone tomorrow,
never to hear the apology from my lips,
and I am left with pain and sorrow,
I want to appreciate those in my life better,
use these stepping stones as tips,
I want to hold onto people longer,
and never allow anger to hold its grip,
I want to thank you for this one lasting lesson,
even if you had no  idea for it to be,
a new way of looking at things is on the horizon,
and from your ending breath, I want you to be proud of me.


I love you, Dad. Rest in Peace.