I knew that hug
would be
our last.
Yet, with a
jolly kiss
I walked away.
The enormity of
goodbye
thick in my lungs.
 
I should have
held you fast,
your essence
seeping
to my marrow
absorbing
your final wishes
and wisdom.
 
I should have
begged for
one more story
of jitterbug
and dance halls.
Nanny and Pappy.
Prefabs.
Glengarnock.
Kilbirnie.

I should have
rocked you
to sleep
our fingers
a tangle
of tears
and DNA
to be taken in
reborn
passed on.
 
I should have said goodbye.