My Dad

Our eyes meet
and there is a knowing,
more like a belonging.
It transcends all that has ever happened or will.
It is my heart crying, Daddy!

One day, when I was small I was sitting on Dad's lap.
I felt so close to him and I remember saying to him,
"Dad, I hope I die before you."
He became so overcome with a grief, Daddy-like anger.
"NO! Don't even say that!"
Years later the reality of his leaving me, once again brings me grief.
He speaks of dieing and I find myself wanting to say,
"NO! Don't even say that!"